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Flavorful Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe Easy Creamy Sauce Dinner Ideas

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A quick and easy creamy Cajun shrimp pasta that combines smoky, spicy shrimp with a silky sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 8 ounces (225g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup (120ml) of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat dry 1 pound (450g) of shrimp and toss with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and bubbling, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
  4. Lower heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream and 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth, stirring to combine and loosen any browned bits on the pan.
  6. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken slightly. Stir in 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
  7. Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce and shrimp.
  8. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and sliced green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for another minute, but don’t let it boil.
  9. Spoon the pasta onto plates and garnish with extra green onions, a sprinkle of parmesan, or a pinch of Cajun seasoning for a final touch.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts better and enhances flavor. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil, heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream, and parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. Cast iron skillet recommended for better sear on shrimp.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, spicy shrimp pasta, creamy Cajun sauce

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