Description
- Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a mouthwatering combination of tender shrimp sautéed in a bold Cajun spice blend, tossed in a rich, creamy sauce, and layered over perfectly cooked penne pasta. This quick and easy recipe is packed with intense flavors and ready in just under 30 minutes, making it the ultimate dinner solution for busy nights!
Ingredients
Scale
- 225 g (8 oz) penne pasta
- 450 g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 15 ml (1 Tbsp) olive oil
- 30 ml (2 Tbsp) cajun seasoning, divided
- 30 g (2 Tbsp) unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 120 g (1/2 cup) diced tomatoes
- 360 ml (1 1/2 cups) heavy whipping cream
- 50 g (1/2 cup) grated parmesan cheese, plus more to serve
- 2 Tbsp parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook 225 g (8 oz) penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain and cover the pasta to keep warm.
- Toss 450 g (1 lb) large shrimp with 15 ml (1 Tbsp) cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- In a deep skillet, heat 15 ml (1 Tbsp) olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and sauté for 1-2 minutes per side, until opaque and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and cover to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt 30 g (2 Tbsp) unsalted butter. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in 120 g (1/2 cup) diced tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Pour in 360 ml (1 1/2 cups) heavy whipping cream, add the remaining 15 ml (1 Tbsp) cajun seasoning, and 50 g (1/2 cup) grated parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the cooked shrimp and pasta to the skillet. Stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce and heated through. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Adjust cajun seasoning based on saltiness and spice preference.
Substitute penne with rigatoni, ziti, mostaccioli, or elbow pasta.
Enhance the dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, green beans, or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole