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Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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3.8 from 7 reviews

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish that combines al dente pasta with succulent shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy cream sauce with fresh tomatoes and a touch of lemon. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe blends a bold Cajun flair with comforting textures and bright accents.

  • Author: Lilya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 27 minutes
  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccini, or farfalle)

Shrimp Marinade

  • 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed (about 24 shrimp)
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

Shrimp Cooking and Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided: 2 tablespoon + 1 tablespoon)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup chicken stock
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
  • 2 roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • ¼ cup minced flat leaf parsley
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
  2. Marinate Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, and ½ teaspoon salt until evenly coated to infuse flavor.
  3. Cook Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside on a plate.
  4. Prepare Sauce: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. When hot, add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant—about 1 minute. Pour in chicken stock and sugar, then simmer until reduced by half, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, the remaining ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, roughly 5 minutes.
  5. Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the drained pasta into the sauce and toss until well coated. Cook until pasta is tender and integrated with the sauce. Stir the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until reaching desired consistency.
  6. Serve: Divide the Cajun shrimp pasta evenly into 6 shallow bowls. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, minced parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavors.
  • Cajun seasoning can be homemade or store-bought; adjust amount based on spice preference.
  • Optionally, add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Find it online: https://familyhomemeals.com/cajun-shrimp-pasta-recipe/