If you’re craving a dish that perfectly marries rich creaminess with the bold, lively flavors of Cajun spices, this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. The tender shrimp seasoned just right, combined with a luscious parmesan cream sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked linguine, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe brings a touch of Southern charm and indulgence to any mealtime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe is how straightforward yet thoughtfully balanced the ingredients are. Each component plays a crucial role—from the spicy shrimp to the creamy sauce and fresh herbs that bring brightness and color to every bite.
- Large shrimp (1 lb): Peeled and deveined for ease, shrimp are the star protein that soak up all the wonderful Cajun flavors.
- Cajun seasoning (2 tsp): A perfect blend of spices that gives the shrimp their signature kick without overpowering the dish.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (6 tbsp): Divided use for searing shrimp and sautéing veggies, adding richness and depth.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor in the recipe.
- Yellow onion (1 small): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the sauce.
- Red bell pepper (1): Provides a pop of color and a gentle crunch to balance the creamy sauce.
- Garlic cloves (4): Minced fresh to infuse every bite with savory warmth.
- Linguine (12 oz): The perfect pasta choice here, holding onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The luscious foundation that makes this pasta irresistibly creamy.
- Parmesan cheese (3 oz, finely grated): Melts into the sauce to create a rich, cheesy finish and more for garnish.
- Fresh parsley (½ cup, finely chopped): Adds freshness and color to brighten the flavors.
- Chives (½ cup, thinly sliced): Offers a mild oniony note and a delicate herbal touch for finishing the dish.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the pasta
Start by cooking the linguine according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This ensures your pasta has just the right bite to pair with the creamy sauce. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s essential for loosening the sauce later, helping everything combine smoothly.
Step 2: Season and sear the shrimp
While the pasta cooks, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with the Cajun seasoning and a pinch of kosher salt. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the shrimp in a single layer for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. This quick cook locks in their natural sweetness and builds a perfect crust infused with spice. Once done, set them aside to rest.
Step 3: Sauté your veggies
Using the same skillet, add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then toss in the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and develop a gentle sweetness. Add the minced garlic last, cooking just 30 seconds until fragrant so it doesn’t turn bitter but perfectly rounds out the flavor base.
Step 4: Create the creamy sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low, add the remaining olive oil, then pour in the heavy cream. Let it gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and soak up the aromas from the sautéed vegetables.
Step 5: Melt in the parmesan
Gradually stir in the finely grated parmesan cheese, letting it melt smoothly into the cream. If the sauce feels too thick, add your reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach that perfect velvety consistency that clings to every noodle.
Step 6: Combine shrimp and pasta
Return the cooked shrimp and linguine to the skillet. Toss everything carefully to ensure each strand of linguine and every succulent shrimp gets coated with the luscious Cajun cream sauce.
Step 7: Finish with fresh herbs and seasoning
Stir in the chopped parsley and thinly sliced chives, which bring a fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt or an extra pinch of Cajun spice if you want a little more heat. It’s all about balancing flavors to your liking.
Step 8: Serve while hot
Scoop the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta onto plates or bowls, topping with extra parmesan and herbs for a restaurant-worthy presentation. This dish is best enjoyed immediately to savor the creamy texture and vibrant flavors at their peak.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley and chives are a must to brighten the dish, but a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese adds that irresistible cheesy punch. For a little color and crunch, a thin wedge of lemon or a dash of smoked paprika can elevate the plate beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. For a heartier meal, steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts add a nice earthy contrast that complements the spicy creaminess perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pasta in shallow bowls to highlight the vibrant shrimp and colorful veggies. For a special occasion, garnish individual portions with a microgreen salad or a drizzle of flavored oil such as chili or basil-infused olive oil. It’s a great way to impress guests with minimal fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The shrimp and sauce hold up well, though the pasta might absorb some liquid, so you may want to add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to regain that silky texture.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if freezing is necessary, store the pasta and sauce separately from the shrimp to maintain the best texture. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove or in the microwave in short bursts. Stir frequently and add a little cream or broth to keep the sauce smooth and prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery. This gentle approach helps retain the great flavors of the original Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine is ideal because of its shape and texture, fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti work beautifully with the creamy sauce and shrimp. Just cook according to package directions for best results.
How spicy is this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the Cajun seasoning, but you can easily adjust it—add more seasoning for a fiery kick or reduce it for a milder dish that’s still full of flavor.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. Keep in mind the flavors will shift slightly, but the dish will still be delicious and creamy.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?
Frozen chopped parsley or chives can stand in a pinch, but fresh herbs really elevate the dish. If you must use dried, add them earlier in the cooking process so they rehydrate and release their flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe keeps well, making it a fantastic option to prepare ahead for busy weekdays. Just store properly and reheat gently to enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal whenever you need it.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and comforting, with bold flavors that never get boring. It’s an easy way to turn simple ingredients into something special that’s sure to impress anyone you share it with. So grab your skillet, get cooking, and treat yourself to this delicious celebration of Cajun spice and creamy goodness.
Print
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Description
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and indulgent dish featuring tender shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices, sautéed with sweet bell peppers and onions, all tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce over linguine pasta. Perfect for a satisfying dinner that combines a touch of spice with creamy comfort.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed, patted dry
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Kosher salt, to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, coarsely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, coarsely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 oz parmesan cheese, finely grated (about 1½ cups), plus more for serving
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup thinly sliced chives
- 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sear Shrimp: Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add 2 more tbsp olive oil. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining 2 tbsp olive oil and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in parmesan and allow it to melt into a smooth sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Add Herbs and Adjust Seasoning: Stir in parsley and chives. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more Cajun spice, if desired.
- Serve: Serve hot, topped with additional parmesan and herbs if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though sauce will be less thick.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the Cajun seasoning amount or remove seeds from the Cajun blend.
- Use fresh herbs for best flavor, but dried parsley and chives can be substituted in a pinch.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency without thinning flavors.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free linguine pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently with a splash of cream or water.
