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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Arrange all ingredients within reach, ensuring precise measurements for smooth cooking execution.
- 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.
- Pasta Handling: Reserve a portion of starchy pasta water, drain pasta, and keep in a warm location.
- Shrimp Seasoning: Thoroughly coat raw shrimp with Cajun seasoning and olive oil, ensuring even distribution.
- Skillet Preparation: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter until golden and bubbling.
- 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.
- Sauce Creation: Reduce heat, pour heavy cream into the skillet, scraping browned bits for enhanced flavor, then gently simmer.
- Cheese Integration: Lower heat and incorporate freshly grated parmesan, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
- Final Assembly: Reintroduce cooked pasta and seared shrimp into the creamy Cajun sauce, folding gently to ensure complete coating.
- Sauce Refinement: Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, and season to taste.
- 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