Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a bold and creamy dish that brings together tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich Cajun-spiced cream sauce. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. The balance of heat and creaminess makes every bite irresistible.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

shrimp (peeled and deveined)
olive oil
Cajun seasoning
garlic
heavy cream
parmesan cheese
butter
chicken broth
paprika
salt
black pepper
penne or fettuccine pasta
parsley (for garnish)

directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute.

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.

Stir in grated parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Return the shrimp to the pan and cook for another minute to warm through.

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use smoked sausage or chicken instead of shrimp.
Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
Make it spicier by adding crushed red pepper flakes.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Not ideal for freezing due to the cream-based sauce.

FAQs

What pasta works best for Cajun Shrimp Pasta?
Fettuccine, penne, or linguine all work well and hold the sauce nicely.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cream with a dairy-free alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.

Is Cajun Shrimp Pasta spicy?
It has a moderate heat level, but you can adjust the spice by altering the Cajun seasoning amount.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

Do I have to use parmesan cheese?
It adds richness, but you can substitute with romano or omit it for a lighter sauce.

How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer a bit longer or add a little more parmesan cheese.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely, spinach, tomatoes, or peas make great additions.

Is it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to adapt the recipe.

How do I keep the shrimp from overcooking?
Cook them just until pink and opaque, then remove immediately from the heat.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead and assemble quickly when ready.

Conclusion

Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and satisfying dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. With its bold flavors and customizable ingredients, it’s a go-to for easy weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of the bayou from your own kitchen.