Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Ever craved a pasta dish that’s so creamy and spicy it feels like a cozy hug? If you haven’t tried Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, you’re in for a treat! This one-pan wonder brings together tender shrimp, rich flavors, and a luscious sauce that’ll have you wondering how something so delicious can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. Trust me, it’s a weeknight dinner game changer!
Why Make This Recipe
Why should Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta be on your menu tonight? Here are a few reasons that’ll make you run to the kitchen:
- Easy cleanup: It’s all made in one pan, which means fewer dishes and more time for eating (the best part!).
- Affordable ingredients: You probably already have most ingredients in your kitchen. Win-win!
- Family-friendly: Everyone loves creamy pasta, and the Cajun spice adds just the right kick to keep things interesting without setting your mouth on fire!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
Ready to create this mouthwatering dish? Follow these simple steps:
- Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with Cajun seasoning. Cook until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and add the cooked fettuccine. Toss to combine and heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (Overview)
Ready for the full scoop? Here’s how it goes down. First, you cook the fettuccine until it’s al dente, then you sauté the shrimp with a spicy Cajun twist that will have your taste buds dancing. Don’t skip toasting the garlic—it’s a little magic trick that elevates the flavor! After you mix in the cream and chicken broth, toss that parmesan in for extra creaminess. Finally, bring it all together with that beautifully cooked pasta, and you’ve got a dinner that’s totally Instagrammable.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Want to impress? Serve it in a deep dish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. The creamy sauce coats the fettuccine and shrimp, while the Cajun spices create a tantalizing aroma that’ll make your guests swoon. Pair it with a light side salad or crusty garlic bread for dipping, because let’s be real—everyone loves mopping up that delicious sauce!
How to Store Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Got leftovers? No worries! You can store your Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just keep it in an airtight container. If you want to save it for later, it also freezes well for up to 2 months. When it’s reheating time, add a splash of cream or broth to bring back that silky sauce!
Tips to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Here are some quick insider tricks to elevate your dish:
- Don’t drown your shrimp in seasoning; start with a little and taste as you go—the balance is key!
- Experiment with cheese: Swap out parmesan for some spicy pepper jack for a fun twist.
- One pot, less hassle: If you can, try using a larger skillet so everything can get cozy without overcrowding.
- Customize the spice: If you’re not a fan of spicy, tone down the Cajun seasoning to your liking.
- Fresh herbs: Experiment with fresh thyme or basil for an aromatic boost!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? You can easily make this dish your own! For a vegan version, swap shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Want a more colorful dish? Toss in some diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients (and a pop of color!).
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them before cooking for even seasoning and cooking.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can cook everything and store it in the fridge, but the pasta might soak up too much sauce. Better to cook fresh for maximum creaminess!
3. What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or even just water. It’ll still be creamy and delicious!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Ingrédients
Method
- Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with Cajun seasoning. Cook until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and add the cooked fettuccine. Toss to combine and heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
