Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

$- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup bell pepper, diced (red or yellow) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 tablespoons olive oil Gather these ingredients to create a flavorful meal. I love using fettuccine or linguine for this dish. They hold the sauce well. The shrimp adds a tender protein that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. Cajun seasoning gives it a spicy kick, making each bite exciting. For aromatics, onion, garlic, and bell pepper bring depth to the dish. They create a fragrant base when sautéed. The sweetness of the bell pepper balances the spice from the Cajun seasoning. The sauce is the star. Heavy cream makes it rich and smooth. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness and color. Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor, making it even more delicious. Lastly, olive oil is essential for cooking the aromatics and shrimp. These ingredients come together to create a creamy Cajun shrimp pasta that’s sure to impress. You can easily adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Enjoy the process of cooking and savoring this delightful dish! Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt for a great flavor. Once the water boils, add 8 ounces of fettuccine or linguine pasta. Cook the pasta until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. This means it should be firm but not hard. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Remember to save 1/2 cup of that pasta water for later. Take 1 pound of shrimp, which should be peeled and deveined. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Make sure each shrimp gets coated well. Set them aside to let the flavors soak in. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped small onion and 1 cup of diced bell pepper. Cook these for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Then, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell the garlic. Reduce the heat to low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it gently to mix with the veggies. Add in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook this for about 2 minutes until the tomatoes soften just a bit. Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, use that reserved pasta water to loosen it up a bit. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta among plates. For a lovely touch, garnish each plate with chopped fresh parsley. This adds color and a fresh taste that brightens the dish. Enjoy your flavorful dinner delight! To make a great cream sauce, you need to adjust the thickness. If your sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. This helps loosen it up. If it's too thin, let it cook a bit longer to reduce. To enhance flavors, try adding more spices. A pinch of cayenne or paprika can add warmth. Fresh herbs, like thyme or basil, also boost the taste. Cook shrimp just right for the best texture. They only need about 2-3 minutes of cooking. When they turn pink, they are done. Overcooking makes shrimp rubbery and tough. Keep an eye on them as they cook. They should be firm and juicy. You can switch up the pasta for this dish. Fettuccine and linguine work well, but penne or even spaghetti can be good choices. If you need a gluten-free option, try rice pasta or zucchini noodles. These alternatives can still hold the creamy sauce well. {{image_2}} You can give your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta a spicy twist. Add more Cajun seasoning to boost the heat. This gives the dish a bold flavor. You can also incorporate hot sauce. A few drops will enhance the spice level. Try different hot sauces for unique flavors. You can make this pasta even healthier with veggies. Adding spinach or zucchini works great. These veggies add color and nutrients. Other veggies to try include mushrooms or asparagus. They bring great texture and flavor to the dish. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! If you want to switch up the protein, replace shrimp with chicken. Cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked. Vegetarian options also work well. You can use chickpeas or tofu for a meat-free meal. Both options soak up the creamy sauce nicely. To keep your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it right after it cools down. This helps keep the flavors intact. The shelf life is about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. To reheat, you can use the microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals. Stir in between to heat evenly. For a skillet, add a splash of water or cream to help keep the sauce smooth. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they can become rubbery. Heat just until warm to enjoy the best texture. You can freeze creamy Cajun shrimp pasta for later meals. Portion it into small containers. Leave some space in each container for expansion. When ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge overnight. Then reheat it gently on the stove or microwave. This keeps the flavors and texture nice. Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Store the pasta and sauce separately. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. When ready to eat, just reheat and combine. Use a pan on low heat to warm it up. Add a little water if it’s too thick. This dish tastes great even after a day in the fridge. If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also try coconut milk for a dairy-free option. For a tangy flavor, use Greek yogurt. Just mix it in slowly to avoid lumps. These alternatives still give you a creamy texture. Making Cajun seasoning is easy. Mix these spices together: - 1 tablespoon paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste Store this mix in a jar. Use it for other dishes too! Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Just thaw them before cooking. You can do this in cold water for about 15 minutes. Pat them dry before adding seasoning. Frozen shrimp can have extra water, so check for that. Drain well to keep your pasta sauce creamy. This Cajun shrimp pasta dish offers a blend of great flavors and easy steps. You learned about the key ingredients and how to cook them perfectly. Use pasta, shrimp, and a creamy sauce to create a wonderful meal. Don’t shy away from variations; try different proteins and spices to make it your own. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy again. Embrace cooking with confidence, and make this dish a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every delicious bite!$

Indulge in the rich flavors of this creamy Cajun shrimp pasta that’s easy to whip up and sure to impress! With succulent shrimp seasoned to perfection, tender pasta, and a luscious cream sauce, this dish is a delightful blend of taste and comfort. Perfect for any weeknight dinner, your family will love it! Click through to discover the full recipe and learn how to make this mouthwatering meal today.

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Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated. Set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.

Add Garlic and Shrimp: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.

Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 2 minutes until they soften slightly.

Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve: Divide the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta among plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings