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To make this dish shine, you'll need: - 300g linguine or fettuccine pasta - 500g shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste These ingredients create a rich, spicy flavor. The Cajun seasoning gives the shrimp a kick, while the cream makes it smooth. To make your dish look and taste even better, consider adding: - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) These add color and depth. The parsley brings freshness, while Parmesan adds a savory touch. You can customize this dish based on what you have. Here are some options: - For pasta, try penne or spaghetti if you prefer. - Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter sauce. - If you're out of shrimp, chicken or tofu work well. - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken for a vegetarian version. These swaps keep the dish tasty while catering to your needs. Feel free to experiment! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the linguine or fettuccine to the pot. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta. Make sure to save a small cup of that pasta water. It will help later on. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the rest. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Toss the shrimp well. You want them to be evenly coated in those spicy, flavorful spices. This step makes your shrimp pop with flavor! Now, take a large skillet and heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion first. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent and fragrant. Then, stir in two cloves of minced garlic and the sliced red bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring often. The bell pepper should soften, and the garlic will smell amazing! Move the sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet. In the empty space, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes. Turn them occasionally until they turn pink and opaque. Then, pour in one cup of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty bits from the bottom of the skillet. Next, reduce the heat to low. Stir in one cup of heavy cream and one cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir it occasionally until it thickens slightly. This sauce is rich and creamy, perfect for our pasta! Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss it well to coat every strand in that creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help loosen it up. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the creamy pasta in bowls. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your flavorful dinner delight! To cook shrimp well, start with fresh or frozen shrimp. If using frozen, thaw them first. Always peel and devein shrimp before cooking for the best flavor. When cooking, heat your pan well before adding shrimp. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. Cook shrimp for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes shrimp tough, so keep an eye on them. To make your sauce richer, use high-quality heavy cream. Adding a bit of chicken broth boosts flavor too. For a tangy twist, consider stirring in a splash of lemon juice. This brightens the dish. If you want extra spice, add more Cajun seasoning while the sauce simmers. Fresh herbs like parsley add color and freshness, making every bite bright and delicious. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water or cream to keep the sauce creamy. Warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Avoid high heat, as this can dry out the pasta and shrimp. Enjoy your meal again without losing the flavor! Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp is Best: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp instead of frozen. If using frozen, ensure they are thoroughly thawed and patted dry before seasoning. Customize the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning, or add it gradually until you reach your desired spice level. Use Starchy Pasta Water: When combining the pasta and sauce, add a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce adhere better and create a silkier texture. Garnish Generously: Don't skimp on the parsley and Parmesan. They not only enhance the flavor but also add a beautiful finishing touch to your dish. {{image_4}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of this dish. Instead of shrimp, use hearty vegetables. Zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach work well. Just sauté them until tender. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it flavorful. The Cajun seasoning adds spice and depth. This option is just as creamy and delicious! You can switch out shrimp for various proteins. Chicken or sausage are great choices. If you choose chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Cook it fully before adding the vegetables. For sausage, slice it thin and sauté it with the veggies. Each protein brings its own flavor, making the dish unique every time. Adjust the heat to fit your taste. If you like it spicy, add more Cajun seasoning. You can also add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes. For less heat, reduce the seasoning and skip the spicy extras. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. This dish should feel right for you! You can store leftover creamy Cajun shrimp pasta in the fridge. Use an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before you seal it. This helps keep it fresh. It stays good for up to three days. When ready to eat, just reheat it. Freezing is a great option if you have a lot left. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Squeeze out any air before sealing. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, use a skillet for the best taste. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir often to warm it evenly. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps avoid dry pasta. Enjoy your tasty dish again! You can use milk and butter. Mix ¾ cup of milk with ¼ cup of melted butter. This mix gives a creamy texture without heavy cream. You can also try coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Cooked shrimp turn pink and opaque. They should curl slightly as they cook. If they look bright white or gray, they are not done. A good rule is to cook them for 3-4 minutes. Yes, you can prepare the sauce and shrimp a day early. Store them in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve for the best taste. Mix everything just before eating. Serve a simple green salad or garlic bread. Roasted vegetables also work well. These sides balance the rich flavors of the pasta and keep your meal light. This blog post covers how to make creamy Cajun shrimp pasta from scratch. We talked about the main ingredients, options for garnishes, and substitutes. I shared simple steps to cook the pasta, season the shrimp, and make a smooth sauce. You also learned helpful tips for cooking shrimp and storing leftovers. Don’t forget the fun variations, like vegetarian options. With these ideas, you can enjoy this dish in many ways. Now, it's time to gather your ingredients and create your own delicious meal. Enjoy!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Delight

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with Cajun seasoned shrimp and vibrant vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g linguine or fettuccine pasta
  • 500 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced into thin strips
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • for serving Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the linguine or fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of the pasta water, and set it aside.
  • Prepare the Shrimp: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with the Cajun seasoning. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated in the spices.
  • Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  • Add Garlic and Peppers: Stir in the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bell pepper softens and the garlic becomes aromatic.
  • Cook the Shrimp: Move the sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet, then add the seasoned shrimp to the open space. Sauté the shrimp for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are pink and opaque throughout.
  • Create the Sauce: Carefully pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet.
  • Add the Cream and Tomatoes: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and halved cherry tomatoes. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
  • Combine the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it well to ensure that each strand is coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water and stir to combine. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  • Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Plate the creamy pasta into bowls and finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and generously sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

For a stunning presentation, serve the pasta in a shallow bowl or on a large platter. Top with an extra sprinkle of parsley and Parmesan cheese for a burst of color. A dash of additional Cajun seasoning can enhance visual appeal and zest!
Keyword Cajun, creamy, pasta, shrimp