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Savory Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Experience the captivating flavors of Cajun shrimp pasta, with sultry spices, succulent shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta, all in a rich, creamy sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 896 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Skillet for sauce and shrimp
  • Strainer
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 30 g
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil 15 ml
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream 240 ml
  • 1 cup chicken broth 240 ml
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning or to taste

For the Shrimp

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined 450 g
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil 15 ml

For the Pasta

  • 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine 340 g
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup green onions, sliced

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, catching a little of the pasta water for later.
  • Tip: Toss the pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Shrimp

  • In a skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and add them to the pan. Sauté for 3-4 minutes or until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce

  • In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then sprinkle in Cajun seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for about 3-4 minutes.
  • Tip: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as desired.

Combine Everything

  • Add the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing to coat each strand. Mix in the sautéed shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers until everything is heated through.
  • Tip: If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a bit of reserved pasta water for the perfect consistency.

Garnish and Serve

  • Top with freshly sliced green onions for an added layer of flavor and color. Serve immediately and enjoy the warmth of Cajun comfort food.

Notes

Pro Tips for Cajun Shrimp Pasta:
  • Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor; frozen shrimp can be a good substitute if needed.
  • Don’t skip the garlic; it adds essential depth to the sauce.
  • Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning.
  • For a healthier twist, substitute heavy cream with a light cream or Greek yogurt.
  • Make it a one-skillet meal by adding spinach or kale for extra nutrition.