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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender shrimp with bold Cajun spices, sautéed vegetables, and a luscious creamy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe balances smoky heat and richness, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels gourmet yet easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 1 lb peeled, deveined shrimp
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and herbs)

Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta

Sauce and Vegetables

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Season and Cook Shrimp: Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning. In a hot skillet, heat butter and olive oil, then sauté shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until just pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Add minced garlic to the vegetables and cook briefly until aromatic. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese continuously to create a smooth sauce. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding reserved pasta water if needed.
  5. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, add the drained pasta, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Cajun sauce. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor compared to frozen.
  • Do not overcook shrimp; they cook quickly and continue to cook slightly after removing from heat.
  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning gradually to control the spice level according to your taste.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Use real Parmesan cheese for better melting and enhanced umami flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, spicy pasta recipe, quick dinner, Southern cuisine, fettuccine shrimp, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://withnora.com/creamy-cajun-shrimp-pasta/