This Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a fun, zesty dish that’s bursting with flavor! Juicy shrimp, creamy sauce, and a hint of spice come together perfectly. It’s a meal that makes your taste buds dance! 🎉
Making this dish is a breeze! I love how quick it is to whip up, so I can enjoy it on a busy weeknight. Just toss the shrimp with some Cajun seasoning and voilà, dinner is ready!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine is a classic choice for this dish, but you can easily swap it out for linguine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. The key is to pick a pasta that holds onto the sauce well.
Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for this dish, giving nice bites. If you prefer a different protein, chicken or even veggie alternatives like mushrooms or zucchini can work, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
Cajun Seasoning: You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own blend using paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This customization lets you control the spice level!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind that the richness of the sauce might vary slightly.
How Do I Ensure My Shrimp Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp just right is essential to avoid a rubbery texture. Here’s how you can do it:
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding the shrimp. This helps achieve a good sear.
- Cook the shrimp in a single layer, giving them space. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of searing.
- Watch closely! Shrimp cook quickly, usually around 2-3 minutes per side. They turn pink and opaque when done.
- Remove them from the skillet as soon as they are cooked to prevent overcooking.
By paying attention to these details, your shrimp will come out tender and flavorful every time!
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cajun Shrimp Pasta takes about 30 minutes to prepare. With around 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, it’s the perfect quick meal for busy evenings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the rest. This water will help adjust your sauce’s consistency later!
2. Season the Shrimp:
While the pasta is cooking, place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl. Add Cajun seasoning and toss until they are evenly coated. This gives the shrimp that bold, spicy flavor!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly charred. When done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, throw in the diced red bell pepper and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until everything is soft and fragrant.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let it simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly, which helps create that delicious sauce.
6. Add Cheese for Creaminess:
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce until smooth and creamy. Taste your sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. If it seems too thick, mix in a little of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency!
8. Finish with Shrimp:
Gently return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir everything together, making sure it’s evenly warmed through.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top for that beautiful finish. Serve your Cajun Shrimp Pasta immediately, with an optional sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for those who like it extra spicy!
Enjoy your delicious, creamy, and spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta that’s sure to impress family and friends alike! 🍝✨
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before seasoning to ensure they sear nicely!
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own Cajun seasoning at home. Combine equal parts paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Adjust the spices to suit your heat preference!
How Can I Make This Dish Lighter?
If you want to lighten it up, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of Greek yogurt and broth. This will reduce the fat while still keeping some creaminess in the sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
