Description
Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with tender shrimp and a creamy pasta sauce. This dish is ideal for anyone craving a flavorful, spicy meal. The combination of perfectly seared shrimp, a rich cream sauce, and al dente pasta creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz (225g) linguine, penne, or fettuccine
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (60g) Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with Cajun seasoning, and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add some red pepper flakes.
- You can swap the shrimp for chicken or scallops for a different variation.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a bit of smoked paprika or fresh thyme to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450-550 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g