When it comes to satisfying our taste buds, Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a go-to dish that never disappoints. This recipe combines succulent shrimp, a rich cream sauce, and a tantalizing blend of spices to create a meal that bursts with flavor.
Whether you're a fan of spicy cuisine or simply looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe, Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a must-try dish that will please the entire family.
Continue reading to see why this recipe works, what it tastes like, and why you should add it to your repertoire of pasta recipes.
Quick and Easy for Busy Weeknights
With its simple preparation and cooking process, Cajun Shrimp Pasta is an ideal choice for easy weeknight meals. In just a few steps, you can have a satisfying dinner ready on the table in no time.
Since there is little measuring and no chopping, the entire recipe can pretty much be cooked in the amount of time it takes to cook the pasta. That means that in 10-15 minutes, you can have a complete dinner.
By following the package instructions for cooking the pasta and sautéing the shrimp in a large skillet over medium-high heat, you'll have a hearty and delicious meal without the fuss.
The Perfect Combination of Spices
Cajun Shrimp Pasta owes its distinct flavor to the harmonious blend of spices used in the dish.
The homemade Cajun seasoning, featuring spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion salt, herbs, and black pepper, imparts just the right amount of kick without overpowering the other flavors.
This heat level can be adjusted to suit your preference, making it versatile for those who enjoy both mild and spicy food.
A Creamy Sauce That Makes a Difference
The spicy alfredo sauce is the heart and soul of this pasta dish. With ingredients like heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter, the sauce becomes velvety and indulgent, enveloping the penne pasta and shrimp in a luscious coating.
It adds depth and richness to the overall flavor profile, ensuring each bite is a delight for the senses.
Tender Shrimp
One of the highlights of this recipe is undoubtedly the succulent shrimp. The Cajun spice brings out the best in the shrimp, enhancing its natural sweetness while adding a touch of heat.
Each bite offers a burst of flavor, perfectly complementing the creamy sauce and al dente pasta.
Versatility in Ingredients
Cajun Shrimp Pasta is highly adaptable to personal preferences and dietary needs. You can experiment with different types of pasta, such as whole wheat or gluten-free options, to make it even healthier. Additionally, you can incorporate colorful veggies like green and red bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or even andouille sausage to further enhance the dish's depth of flavor.
How to Make It
- This recipe starts by boiling the pasta in salted water. It's important to use a full tablespoon of salt in your pasta water because the salt will flavor the pasta. Before you drain the pasta, be sure to reserve some of the pasta water to thin out the sauce later, if needed.
- While the pasta is cooking, saute the shrimp. They will cook quickly over relatively high heat. You'll remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside and then use that same pan to make the sauce.
- The cajun cream sauce is simply a mixture of heavy cream that you bring to a boil and parmesan cheese that melts in creamy smooth. There's enough cajun seasoning ont he shrimp and in the pan to give the sauce plenty of flavor. The sauce thickens within minutes and then you simply toss everything together to serve.
FAQs
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, but penne pasta works well as it holds the sauce and seasonings effectively.
The spiciness can be adjusted to your taste by controlling the amount of Cajun seasoning used. It offers a flavorful kick without being overwhelmingly hot.
Absolutely! While shrimp adds a delightful seafood element, you can substitute it with chicken, sausage, or even vegetables to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions.
It's best to enjoy Cajun Shrimp Pasta immediately after cooking, as the creamy sauce may thicken upon refrigeration. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat them the next day for a tasty meal.
Definitely! In fact, with this recipe, it is recommended so that you can control the amount of salt. Making your own Cajun seasoning allows you to adjust the flavors according to your preference.
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream and butter with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream. Vegan parmesan cheese can also be used to achieve a similar flavor.
Yes! Feel free to add colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or even spinach to incorporate more nutrients and textures into the dish.
It is not recommended to freeze the dish, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing. It is best enjoyed fresh for the optimal taste and texture.
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely from the Cajun seasoning. Adjust the heat level to suit your taste preferences.
Cajun Shrimp Pasta pairs well with a healthy green salad, steamed broccoli, or a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. It's a versatile dish that allows for a range of complementary sides.
Full Recipe Instructions
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
CLICK TO PLAY RECIPE VIDEO
Kitchen Tools
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound raw shrimp (deveined, cleaned, tail removed)
- 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning (*see note below, use this quantity if making my homemade seasoning blend; may turn out too salty if using store bought )
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (finely grated from a block (a microplane works best); pre-grated or not real authentic parmesan won't melt as nicely)
Instructions
- Add salt to pot of water and bring to a boil. Cook pasta to al dente doneness. Before draining, scoop out at least ½ cup of the cooking water. Drain pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, cook the shrimp and sauce. Combine shrimp with cajun seasoning and olive oil in bowl. Toss to combine.
- Heat large skillet over medium high heat. Add butter and melt. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook until golden brown on each side, turning only once. You may have to cook shrimp in two batches to allow enough room. Once done cooking, transfer cooked shrimp to a clean plate and reduce heat to medium low.
- Add heavy cream to pan and scrape bottoms to release any food that is stuck to the bottom. Allow cream to bubble. Reduce heat to low and stir in parmesan cheese to melt. Add cooked pasta and shrimp and stir to coat. If sauce needs to be thinned, add pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is achieved.
Notes
NUTRITION INFORMATION
This post was originally created for Centsless Meals where I was a contributor. It was originally published in 2019 and has been updated with more information to make the recipe more helpful.
Danie
Super easy and tasty! Next time I make it I’m going to try with sautéed peppers and onions. So good as is already too!
Carrie
Hey, do you think I could use 2% milk instead of heavy cream?
Krissy
You can, but the sauce would be much thinner. I would add extra butter to increase the fat.
Jamie
I made this tonight. Delicious, but I didn’t measure anything…omitted the butter, cut back on the salt, exchanged the regular pasta for red lentil penne, made the homemade Cajun seasoning and used Gruyère cheese in place of half of the parm. YUM!!
Sara
Hi - I can't wait to make this tonight; I wondered if I could use cous-cous or quinoa instead of pasta to make it a lighter meal? Thanks so much.
Krissy
I think that should work!
Elizabeth
Delicious and easy to make! A nice change from my usual shrimp scampi dish when I’m needing a shrimp recipe.
Leonor
I made this tonight and my whole family loved it! My son-in-law had my daughter ask for the recipe so I sent it to her. Thank you so much can’t wait to try some more of your recipes
Courtney
If I’m using store bought “Cajun Seasoning”, would I still use 2 Tablespoons?
Krissy
Start with less and hold off on adding additional salt. You can always add more after you taste it.
Joey
This was so good! It was a bit spicy for my kiddo, but next time I'll put in less pepper for the seasoning. From a Cajun woman, this was fantastic!
Sarah
Definitely worth trying. I double everything but the pasta anf it was great. My people aren't huge pasta fans so the meat to pasta ratio was better for us. Super quick and easy.
Maggie
My son is a very picky eater. He won't eat any pasta but spaghetti, but this dish had him asking me if I could make it again. Thanks!
Jennifer Jarzemkoski
What is the serving size recommended please?
sandra
Perfect! Absolutely loved it. Used cajun spice mix as listed, very best.
Em
What size shrimp do you use?
Krissy
Any kind will work, but I prefer large. It's a matter of preference and cooking times need to be adjusted based on size.
Myra
Is the spice mix all equal parts?
Krissy
No. You can go to https://selfproclaimedfoodie.com/homemade-cajun-seasoning-mix/ and scroll down to the recipe to see the quantities. Enjoy!
Loïc
Thanks for this recipe. I just tried it and followed instructions for the Cajun spices. I never add salt to water and let the Parmesan add its salt to the recipe just to be safe. I used salted butter and I was out of olive oil so I replaced it with avocado oil. Followed all other instructions and ingredients and it came almost perfect and that’s because I overlooked the shrimps (first time cooking shrimps). My wife is Jamaican and she absolutely loved the seasoning . Thanks a lot !!
Jo ann seals
I would love to add some garlic. Do you think that would ruin the flavor or I Han ever it?
Krissy
I'm always a fan of garlic! It will work with this recipe.
Margaret
I’ve made this pasta with many different twists .. like throw some black olives or peppers or even andouille sausage all together .. sauce is excellent for dipping so make extra
Dar
Oh my I made the Cajun shrimp pasta dish for my friend and I and it was delicious… I used onion powder instead of onion salt and doubled the Cajun seasoning so I will have more for something else.. awesome and thanks for the recipe. Would really like to go to New Orleans. Just for the food. Have a great night!!
Sara
Amazing recipe - make this recipe all the time, my grand daughter personally requests it
Kristine
I made the spice blend and added a little extra by caramelizing some onions in the pan before cooking the shrimp and it was everything I was craving.
James
Spend the extra 5 minutes and make the cajun seasoning (amazing btw) very restaurant quality overall. I didn't have onion salt so I used the onion powder w kosher 50/50. Def recommended
Rhonda
I love this recipe! I did, however, use a bit more Cajun seasoning than the recipe called for. I’ve made it a few times and I’ve never been disappointed! I wonder if andouille sausage and chicken as opposed to the shrimp would work well? Has anyone tried it?
Cayla B
Would like to make with 2 lbs of shrimp. Do I just double everything?
Krissy
Yep!
Denise
Do you defrost the shrimp if using frozen
Krissy
yes
Shelly
I just made this tonight and it was simple, fast and delicious! Thanks sharing! A keeper in our recipe book!