Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Pasta
Indulge in the bold, zesty flavors of Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Pasta, a restaurant-quality dish you can easily whip up at home! This irresistible recipe features tender, perfectly seasoned shrimp nestled in a luscious Cajun-spiced Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with your choice of linguine or fettuccine. A hint of garlic, rich heavy cream, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes create a harmonious balance of heat and creaminess, while fresh parsley and optional lemon wedges add a zesty finishing touch. Ready in just 35 minutes, this one-pan masterpiece is as perfect for weeknight dinners as it is for impressing guests. Treat yourself to a satisfying, flavor-packed pasta dish with this Cajun-inspired delight!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 4 cloves Minced garlic
- 1.5 cups Heavy cream
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 pieces Fresh lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season the shrimp evenly with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside on a plate. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
Whisk in the Parmesan cheese, the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy Cajun sauce. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the shrimp is warmed through.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss to combine with the sauce and shrimp.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with optional lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
785 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 50.1 g | 64% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.1 g | 136% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 340 mg | 113% | |
| Sodium | 959 mg | 42% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.2 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.9 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.5 g | ||
| Protein | 41.6 g | 83% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 337 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 512 mg | 11% | |
*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.
