Cajun Shrimp Penne Pasta
Indulge in the bold and creamy flavors of Cajun Shrimp Penne Pasta, a one-pan wonder that combines zesty Cajun-seasoned shrimp with perfectly al dente penne pasta, all tossed in a luxuriously rich Parmesan cream sauce. This quick and easy recipe brings the taste of the South to your table in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or an elevated weekend dinner. The paprika-laced sauce, infused with garlic and a touch of heat, perfectly balances the plump, tender shrimp, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a beautiful finishing touch. Whether you're craving spice, creaminess, or comfort, this dish has it all. Pair it with crusty garlic bread and a crisp side salad for a restaurant-quality meal at home!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Penne pasta
- 1 pound Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1.5 cups Heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Lower the heat to medium and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, black pepper, and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a little of the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until your desired consistency is achieved.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the sauce to coat evenly. Then, gently fold in the cooked shrimp.
Cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm everything through, then remove from heat.
Transfer to serving plates, garnish with chopped parsley (if using), and serve warm. Enjoy your creamy Cajun Shrimp Penne Pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3693 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 203.8 g | 261% | |
| Saturated Fat | 106.9 g | 535% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1359 mg | 453% | |
| Sodium | 7138 mg | 310% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 261.0 g | 95% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.6 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.3 g | ||
| Protein | 184.6 g | 369% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1231 mg | 95% | |
| Iron | 14.6 mg | 81% | |
| Potassium | 1986 mg | 42% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
