Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe: A Flavorful Quick Fix

Spicy, succulent cajun shrimp pasta weaves magic on your dinner plate with bold flavors that dance across your palate.

Southern coastal cuisine comes alive in this zesty dish bursting with robust seasonings and tender seafood.

Shells perfectly capture the rich, creamy sauce that coats each strand of pasta.

Paprika, cayenne, and garlic create a fiery symphony of taste that ignites your senses.

Fresh shrimp sizzle and turn a beautiful golden pink when cooked to perfection.

This recipe turns an ordinary weeknight meal into a restaurant-worthy experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your skillet and get ready to savor every spicy, delectable bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 635 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Cajun Shrimp Pasta

• Linguine: Sturdy pasta that perfectly captures the creamy Cajun sauce and holds onto shrimp beautifully.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances pasta's flavor and helps season cooking water for more delicious results.

• Shrimp: Sweet, tender seafood that brings oceanic richness to the dish.
• Cajun Seasoning: Zesty spice blend that delivers bold, smoky Louisiana-style flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps coat shrimp evenly and provides smooth cooking surface.

• Butter: Creates rich, silky foundation for sauce and adds luxurious depth.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers velvety texture and helps bind sauce ingredients together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty complexity and helps thicken sauce naturally.

Kitchen Equipment for Cajun Shrimp Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with salted water.
• Large skillet: Perfect for cooking shrimp and creating creamy sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Mixing bowl: Needed for seasoning shrimp.
• Measuring tablespoon: Helps add precise amounts of salt and pasta water.
• Cheese grater: Useful for grating fresh parmesan cheese.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for prep work.
• Sharp knife: Helps with any ingredient preparation.

How to Cook Cajun Shrimp Pasta

• Pasta Water Preparation

Boil a large pot of water seasoned with salt. The water sets the foundation for perfectly cooked pasta.

• Pasta Cooking

Follow package instructions to cook pasta until tender. Save some starchy cooking water for later sauce magic.

• Shrimp Seasoning

Coat shrimp with spicy Cajun blend and olive oil. Ensure each piece gets a flavorful massage.

• Shrimp Sizzle

Melt butter in a hot skillet. Sear shrimp until golden, creating delicious caramelized edges. Work in batches to maintain high heat.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

Lower skillet temperature. Pour heavy cream and scrape pan’s delicious browned bits. Introduce parmesan cheese, letting it melt into a silky smooth sauce.

• Final Fusion

Reunite pasta and shrimp in the skillet. Toss everything in the creamy Cajun sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water. Taste and season as needed.

• Plate and Pleasure

Serve immediately while the dish is steaming hot. Savor the rich, spicy, creamy combination of flavors.

Tips to Spice Up Cajun Shrimp Pasta

• Adjust the Cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance by using mild or hot blends, or creating a custom mix with varying levels of cayenne pepper.
• Replace shrimp with chicken, sausage, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for a different protein profile while maintaining the classic Cajun flavor.
• Incorporate colorful bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes to increase nutritional value and add vibrant texture to the pasta dish.
• Prepare the Cajun seasoning and sauce base in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to streamline weeknight meal preparation.
• Experiment with different hard cheeses like romano or aged cheddar to create unique flavor variations while maintaining the creamy sauce consistency.

Plating Cajun Shrimp Pasta With Style

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Toss a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta and add refreshing contrast to the spicy Cajun flavors.
• Garnish with Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to brighten the dish, add color, and introduce a subtle herbal note that complements the shrimp.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Select a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy sauce and enhance the zesty Cajun seasoning.
• Bread on the Side: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or toasted baguette slices to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying textural element to the meal.

Keeping Cajun Shrimp Pasta Tasty Beyond the Meal

• Maximize Meal Prep: Quickly mix shrimp and seasoning ahead of time, storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover pasta in sealed containers for 3-4 days, keeping the sauce and shrimp separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy noodles.
• Freeze for Later: Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Frozen dishes remain delicious for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Reheat with Care: Gently warm refrigerated or thawed pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore sauce's creamy consistency and prevent drying out.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy Cajun shrimp pasta delivers bold Louisiana-style flavors with perfectly seasoned shrimp and al dente noodles. Spicy, rich sauce combines classic Cajun spices to create an unforgettable dinner experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) raw shrimp, deveined, cleaned, and tails removed
• 8 oz (226 g) penne pasta
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsps Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated from a block

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Arrange all ingredients within reach, ensuring precise measurements for smooth cooking execution.
2. Pasta Cooking: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil, then immerse pasta and cook until perfectly al dente, following package guidelines.
3. Pasta Handling: Reserve a portion of starchy pasta water, drain pasta, and keep in a warm location.
4. Shrimp Seasoning: Thoroughly coat raw shrimp with Cajun seasoning and olive oil, ensuring even distribution.
5. Skillet Preparation: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter until golden and bubbling.
6. Shrimp Searing: Arrange seasoned shrimp in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden-brown and fully cooked.
7. Sauce Creation: Reduce heat, pour heavy cream into the skillet, scraping browned bits for enhanced flavor, then gently simmer.
8. Cheese Integration: Lower heat and incorporate freshly grated parmesan, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
9. Final Assembly: Reintroduce cooked pasta and seared shrimp into the creamy Cajun sauce, folding gently to ensure complete coating.
10. Sauce Refinement: Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, and season to taste.
11. Serving: Plate immediately, presenting a vibrant and aromatic Cajun shrimp pasta dish.

Notes

• Prevent Shrimp Overcooking: Watch carefully during searing, as shrimp cook rapidly and can become tough and rubbery if left too long in the skillet.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserved starchy water acts as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and enhance overall flavor depth without diluting seasoning.
• Seasoning Strategy: Thoroughly coat shrimp before cooking to ensure every bite delivers maximum Cajun flavor and consistent spice distribution.
• Temperature Control: Maintain consistent medium-high heat for perfect shrimp caramelization and sauce development, preventing burning or uneven cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 635
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 735 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg