Spicy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp
Dive into a bowl of bold and flavorful Spicy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp—a comforting yet zesty dish that’s sure to impress! Tender, succulent shrimp are coated in a smoky Cajun seasoning and sautéed to perfection, then folded into creamy, spiced pasta that’s rich with Parmesan cheese and a hint of paprika. Featuring a vibrant mix of garlic, onion, and red bell peppers, this one-pan recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing weekend indulgence. Elevate every bite with a garnish of fresh parsley and enjoy this restaurant-quality pasta dish in the comfort of your own home.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium-sized 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 on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
Add the remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Simmer the sauce for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce evenly.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine.
Season the dish with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
740 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 47.2 g | 61% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.9 g | 125% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 331 mg | 110% | |
| Sodium | 1186 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.2 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | ||
| Protein | 37.8 g | 76% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 227 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 527 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.
