Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a decadent, flavor-packed dish that combines juicy shrimp, a rich and spicy cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a satisfying meal that feels like a restaurant favorite. It’s the kind of dish that delivers comfort and boldness all in one bite, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want to impress.

The magic of this pasta lies in the Cajun seasoning blend that gives it a kick of heat balanced by the luxurious creaminess of the sauce. With the shrimp seared just right and a sauce that clings to every noodle, this dish turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Ingredients for this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat

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Step 1: Season and Sear the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry and toss them with Cajun seasoning until well-coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Pasta

Cook the fettuccine or linguine pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently mix.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the skillet.

What pasta works best with this dish?

Fettuccine and linguine are top choices, but penne or spaghetti can also work well.

How spicy is this recipe?

It has a moderate kick from the Cajun seasoning. For more heat, add red pepper flakes or extra seasoning.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the shrimp and sauce in advance, but for best texture, cook the pasta fresh when serving.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese can be used, though the sauce will be less rich.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring the Cajun seasoning is certified gluten-free.

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