Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a delicious dish that brings together the flavors of the sea and spices. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests at a gathering. The combination of shrimp, pasta, and a rich creamy sauce makes it a satisfying meal for everyone. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning to the skillet, cooking until shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, mixing thoroughly.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Serve this dish hot right from the skillet for the best experience. You can garnish it with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch. This pasta pairs wonderfully with a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.
How to Store Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
To store leftovers, put the pasta in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. When you want to reheat it, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. They cook quickly and should turn pink and opaque.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
- Adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.
Variation
You can swap shrimp for chicken or make it a vegetarian dish by using a mix of your favorite vegetables instead of seafood. Also, whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta can be used for a healthier or dietary choice.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Fettuccine or linguine works well, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before adding the pasta and shrimp.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A delicious and quick dish that combines shrimp, pasta, and a rich creamy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning to the skillet, cooking until shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, mixing thoroughly.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
Serve with a light salad or crusty bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.