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Cajun Shrimp Pasta: A Flavorful Dinner Recipe

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This Cajun Shrimp Pasta is loaded with tender shrimp, bold Cajun seasoning, and a rich, creamy sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights!

    Ingredients

    Scale

    For the Shrimp:

    • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

    For the Pasta & Sauce:

    • 10 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine)
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • ½ cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
    • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust for spice level)
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
    • Juice of ½ lemon

    Instructions

    • Cook the Pasta:
      • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
      • Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
    • Cook the Shrimp:
      • Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
      • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
      • Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
      • Remove from skillet and set aside.
    • Make the Sauce:
      • In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
      • Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
      • Add Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes.
      • Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
    • Combine & Serve:
      • Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the sauce.
      • Toss everything together and squeeze fresh lemon juice on top.
      • Garnish with parsley and serve warm!

    Notes

    • Want it spicier? Add extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
    • Lighten it up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
    • Add veggies: Bell peppers or spinach make a great addition.
    • Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    Details

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes
    • Total Time: 30 minutes
    • Yield: 4 servings
    • Category: Main Dish
    • Method: Sautéing
    • Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
    • Diet: High-Protein

    Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

    • Calories: 570
    • Sugar: 2g
    • Sodium: 900mg
    • Fat: 28g
      • Saturated Fat: 14g
      • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
      • Trans Fat: 0g
    • Carbohydrates: 50g
      • Fiber: 3g
    • Protein: 32g
    • Cholesterol: 220mg
    • Author: RACHA WILLIAMS