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A close-up of a serving of Cajun shrimp pasta with creamy sauce and herbs.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta

This creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is packed with flavor and comes together quickly, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Tender shrimp and pasta are tossed in a rich, spicy sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cajun Shrimp
  • 1.5 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
Pasta
  • 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
Sauce
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente; make sure to reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining.
Cook the Shrimp
  1. While the pasta cooks, season the shrimp with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the seasoned shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque, then remove the shrimp and set aside.
Make the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and sauté it for about one minute until fragrant.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute, continuously stirring, to form a roux.
  3. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and remaining 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, cooking until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens; season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve
  1. Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce and toss everything together to coat it evenly.
  2. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning for the shrimp. You can also add some diced bell peppers and onions to the sauce for more vegetables and flavor. Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.