If you love bold flavors and creamy pasta, this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a must-try! Packed with juicy shrimp, spicy Cajun seasoning, and a rich, velvety sauce, this dish is perfect for a restaurant-style meal at home.
Ready in just 30 minutes, this pasta is great for weeknight dinners, date nights, or special occasions. Pair it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that will impress everyone at the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Bold & Spicy Flavors – Cajun seasoning adds a smoky, spicy kick.
✔ Rich & Creamy Sauce – A luscious combination of cream, parmesan, and butter.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
✔ High-Protein Meal – Loaded with shrimp for a nutritious boost.
✔ Customizable – Adjust spice levels and add your favorite veggies or proteins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken or seafood broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later.
Step 2: Season & Cook the Shrimp
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then add parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Add red pepper flakes if you want extra spice.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and mix well. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Simmer for 2 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
- Serve immediately with garlic bread or a side salad.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~550 |
| Protein | ~35g |
| Carbohydrates | ~45g |
| Fat | ~28g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~800mg |
Values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
Health Benefits of Cajun Shrimp Pasta
🦐 High in Protein – Shrimp is a great source of lean protein, which helps with muscle growth and repair.
🧄 Rich in Antioxidants – Garlic and Cajun spices provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
🥑 Healthy Fats – The combination of olive oil and shrimp offers heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
🍝 Balanced Meal – Carbs from pasta, protein from shrimp, and fats from the creamy sauce make this a well-rounded dish.
Best Sides to Serve with Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Pair this creamy, spicy pasta with:
- Garlic Bread – Buttery and crispy for dipping into the sauce.
- Caesar Salad – A refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers add a nutritious touch.
- Cornbread – A slightly sweet, Southern-inspired pairing.
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different protein instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! You can substitute shrimp with chicken, salmon, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
2. How do I make it less spicy?
Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to tone down the heat. You can also add a little more cream or parmesan to balance the spice.
3. Can I make this pasta dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and replace parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
4. What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
5. Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the shrimp and make the sauce ahead of time. When ready to serve, cook fresh pasta and toss everything together for the best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is the perfect way to bring restaurant-quality flavors into your kitchen. With its bold Cajun seasoning, rich creamy sauce, and juicy shrimp, this dish is a true comfort food favorite.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken or seafood broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for extra spice
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later.
Step 2: Season & Cook the Shrimp
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then add parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Add red pepper flakes if you want extra spice.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and mix well. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Simmer for 2 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
- Serve immediately with garlic bread or a side salad.
