Description
Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings the essence of southern cooking right to your kitchen. This recipe features succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich, creamy sauce infused with bold Cajun spices, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. In just 30 minutes, you can create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. With its combination of spice and creaminess, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you enjoy it as is or customize it with added vegetables or proteins, Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a versatile choice that promises to tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Season shrimp with salt and Cajun seasoning before adding them to the skillet. Sauté until shrimp are pink (about 3 minutes) and then remove from skillet.
- Pour heavy cream into the same skillet and simmer on low heat for about 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet, tossing everything together while adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted; adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating sautéed bell peppers or spinach alongside the garlic. Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce. Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to customize spice level.