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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is rich, spicy, and full of bold Louisiana flavor — a one-pan dish with tender shrimp, silky sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Weeknight comfort meets restaurant-worthy flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun, Fusion
Servings 4 servings
Calories 580 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Pasta Pot
  • Mixing Bowls

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp

  • 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Pasta & Sauce

  • 8 oz pasta linguine or fettuccine preferred
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 bell pepper any color, chopped
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/2 tsp salt optional, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Let rest 5–10 minutes.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer until pink and lightly golden. Flip once and remove from pan.
  • Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  • In the same pan, melt butter. Add garlic, onion, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
  • Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, add Cajun spices, red pepper flakes, salt, and dried parsley. Simmer until thickened.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add cooked pasta and shrimp. Toss to combine, using pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
  • Top with fresh herbs and serve immediately with garlic bread or salad.

Notes

This recipe works beautifully with shrimp, chicken, or even tofu. Adjust spice level to taste and enjoy this creamy Cajun comfort any night of the week.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 225mgSodium: 690mgPotassium: 550mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 850IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2.8mg
Keyword Creamy Cajun, easy dinner, Shrimp Pasta, Spicy
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