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- 12 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (a mix of red and green for color) - 1/2 cup diced onion - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) For this dish, you need a mix of fresh and pantry staples. Start with the pasta. I love using linguine or fettuccine for this recipe. Both types hold the sauce well. Next, we have the shrimp. Make sure they are large, peeled, and deveined. They cook quickly and soak up all the Cajun flavors. The seasonings give this dish its kick. Cajun seasoning adds warmth, and a pinch of salt and black pepper enhances the taste. Now, let’s talk about the veggies. Garlic, bell peppers, and onions add color and texture. Use a mix of red and green bell peppers for a beautiful look. For the creamy sauce, heavy cream is key. It makes the dish rich and smooth. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese for flavor. Don’t forget the olive oil! It helps sauté the veggies and shrimp. Finally, a splash of lemon juice brightens everything up. It balances the richness of the cream. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to create a tasty Cajun shrimp pasta that’s perfect for any weeknight meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of linguine or fettuccine. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta but save about 1 cup of the cooking water. This water will help with the sauce later. Next, take 1 lb of large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. In a medium bowl, add the shrimp and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning over them. Mix gently until every shrimp is coated well. This step infuses the shrimp with that bold Cajun flavor. Now, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers, and 1/2 cup of diced onion. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes. You want the vegetables to be tender and fragrant. Stir them occasionally to prevent burning. After the vegetables are ready, push them to one side of the skillet. Add the seasoned shrimp to the empty side. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, mix the shrimp with the sautéed vegetables and remove the skillet from the heat for now. Lower the heat to low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and add 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the mixture continuously. The cheese will melt, and the sauce will start to thicken. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce gets too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you get the right consistency. Now, return the skillet to medium heat. Add the drained pasta to the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated evenly with the sauce. Heat through for about another minute to ensure everything is warm and blended. Finally, plate the pasta into shallow bowls. For a nice touch, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top. This adds freshness and color. You can also sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top and add a slice of lemon on the side. Serve with crusty bread to soak up that delightful sauce! To get the right thickness for your sauce, use reserved pasta water. As you mix the heavy cream and cheese, the sauce may thicken too much. Slowly add a bit of the pasta water until the sauce is creamy but not runny. This method helps keep the sauce smooth and rich. You can boost the flavor of your Cajun shrimp pasta with a few extra spices. Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or smoked paprika for depth. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also brighten the dish. Experiment to find your perfect blend! Cooking shrimp and vegetables in separate stages is key. Start with the veggies to let them soften and release their flavors. Then, add the shrimp. This way, both elements cook perfectly. Shrimp needs less time, so this method ensures you don’t overcook it. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente to maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce. Freshness Counts: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp instead of frozen. If frozen is all you have, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Cajun Kick: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your spice tolerance. Start with less if you're unsure and add more to taste as you cook. Garnish Wisely: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a bright flavor. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for an extra zing. {{image_4}} You can swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well in this dish. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces. Scallops are another great choice. They cook fast and are tasty. If you prefer a plant-based option, use tofu. Make sure to press and cube the tofu first for the best texture. If you need gluten-free options, try using gluten-free pasta. There are many brands that taste great. For those who avoid dairy, you can use almond milk or coconut cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Want to spice things up? Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. This will give your dish a nice kick. You can also mix in more veggies like spinach or zucchini. This adds color and nutrition. Experiment with different herbs, too, like cilantro or basil, to change the flavor profile. To store leftovers properly, first let the pasta cool down. This helps keep the texture nice. Place the pasta in an airtight container. If you can, separate the shrimp and pasta. This keeps everything fresh longer. Store the container in the fridge. It should last about three days. When you reheat, do it gently to keep the flavor. I like to use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir often to warm it evenly. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it and heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst for the best results. If you want to freeze it, do so before adding the cream. Cook the pasta and shrimp, then let them cool. Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. They can stay good for about three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Cook the creamy sauce fresh and mix it all just before serving. To change the spice level, use different amounts of Cajun seasoning. For a mild dish, use half a tablespoon. For medium spice, stick to one tablespoon. If you love heat, add a bit more. You can also add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to kick it up a notch. Always taste as you go. This lets you find the right heat for your taste. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and shrimp, then cool them for later. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. You can make the sauce too, but keep it separate. When you are ready to eat, warm the sauce and mix in the pasta and shrimp. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. For a full meal, serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs well. You might also consider roasted vegetables for extra nutrition. Another option is to serve it with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Mix and match to find what you enjoy best! Cajun Shrimp Pasta combines pasta, shrimp, and veggies for a delicious meal. We covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for the best creamy sauce. Remember to store leftovers well and reheating them slowly keeps the flavor. You can also switch proteins or make it gluten-free. Enjoy making this dish for friends and family! It’s a simple way to impress. Now, get cooking and create your own Cajun masterpiece!

Cajun Shrimp Pasta Delight

A flavorful pasta dish featuring shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (a mix of red and green for color)
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
  • In a medium bowl, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over them and toss gently until all the shrimp are evenly coated.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic, diced bell peppers, and diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
  • Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet to create space. Add the seasoned shrimp to the empty side of the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, mix the shrimp with the sautéed vegetables and remove the skillet from the heat temporarily.
  • Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce begins to thicken. Incorporate the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Return the skillet to medium heat and add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce, and heat through for about another minute to ensure everything is warmed and blended.
  • Plate the pasta generously into shallow bowls. Top each serving with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.

Notes

For an inviting presentation, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top and add a slice of lemon on the side for a touch of brightness. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delightful sauce!
Keyword Cajun, creamy sauce, pasta, shrimp