If there’s one dish that always brings a little excitement to my weeknight dinner table, it’s Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta. With juicy shrimp, vibrant peppers, a punchy Cajun kick, and a sauce that’s luxurious beyond belief, this is everything you could ever crave in a single skillet. It’s got all the satisfying comfort of pasta, the bold flavors of New Orleans, and just the right touch of heat. Creamy, savory, and downright irresistible, it’s a dish that instantly transforms any night into a special occasion—whether you’re entertaining friends or treating yourself!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe pulls its weight, creating a harmony of flavor and color that feels both decadent and approachable. You don’t need anything fancy—just a few kitchen staples and a bit of Cajun seasoning magic!

Pasta (12 ounces fettuccine or penne): The perfect base for soaking up all that incredible creamy sauce; choose your favorite shape but fettuccine and penne both hold up beautifully.
Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Succulent and tender, they cook quickly so you get a restaurant-worthy bite every time.
Cajun seasoning (2 tablespoons, divided): This is the heart of the dish, delivering classic Louisiana spice; use your favorite store-bought blend or make your own.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps cook the shrimp to golden perfection and infuses the sauce with a hint of richness.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds deep, aromatic flavor—don’t skip it!
Red bell pepper (1, thinly sliced): Brings sweetness and brilliant color to the party.
Yellow bell pepper (1, thinly sliced): Balances the dish with gentle flavor and makes each bite vibrant.
Onion (1 small, thinly sliced): Sweet and savory, it melds beautifully into the sauce.
Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret to that ultra-silky, luscious sauce.
Low-sodium chicken broth (1 cup): Adds depth and keeps the sauce from feeling heavy.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Savory, nutty, and utterly crave-worthy; it helps the sauce cling to every bite.
Cream cheese (2 tablespoons, optional): For a little extra indulgence—makes the sauce even more velvety.
Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a subtle smokiness that perfectly complements the Cajun flavors.
Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who love extra heat; add to taste.
Salt and black pepper: For seasoning and perfect balance, added to taste at the end.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A fresh, herbaceous lift to finish the dish.
Lemon wedges, for serving: A squeeze over your bowl makes the flavors pop and keeps things bright.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your fettuccine or penne until just al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t rinse—some of that starchy water will help the sauce cling to each strand for the creamiest result.

Step 2: Season and Sauté the Shrimp

While the pasta is bubbling away, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning in a medium bowl. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the shrimp, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and slightly golden. Transfer them to a plate and resist the urge to snack—they’ll go back in later to finish bathing in that glorious sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet (don’t wipe out that shrimp flavor!), add the minced garlic along with your vibrant bell peppers and onion. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and the kitchen smells absolutely incredible. This trio brings sweetness, crunch, and color all in one go.

Step 4: Build the Cajun Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to loosen any delicious browned bits from the skillet. Add the Parmesan, (the optional) cream cheese for extra silkiness, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if you like a little heat, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Let this simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes until it transforms into a rich, velvety sauce that lightly coats the back of your spoon.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the drained pasta and those tempting shrimp back to the skillet, tossing everything together to make sure every bite is coated evenly in sauce. Let it all come together for about 2 minutes, just until everything is hot and mingling beautifully. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle generously with chopped parsley and offer plenty of lemon wedges for squeezing—this final touch brightens every forkful.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

The best way to elevate Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is with a smattering of fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges on the side. The parsley adds freshness and color, while a dash of lemon juice cuts through the richness and brings all those spicy, creamy flavors to life.

Side Dishes

This pasta is fantastic all on its own, but it pairs perfectly with crusty garlic bread to mop up extra sauce, or a crisp green salad for balance. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus are also great companions if you want to add more veggies to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

To make an impression, try swirling the pasta into individual nests on each plate, topping with shrimp, and then drizzling extra sauce over the top. For a bistro-style look, serve in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a handful of microgreens or finely diced chives.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will intensify as they meld, making it a delicious next-day treat.

Freezing

Because cream sauces can sometimes separate when frozen and reheated, I don’t recommend freezing the finished dish. If you do want to prep ahead, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and vegetable mixture separately, then quickly reheat and toss with fresh pasta and cream sauce when ready to serve.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened in the fridge. Stir constantly and heat just until warmed through to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce creamy—not oily.

FAQs

Can I use another type Main Course

Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne are classic choices for Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, any rich, sturdy pasta shape works—think linguine, rigatoni, or even rotini. Choose what you love or have on hand.

What if I don’t eat shrimp?

No problem! You can easily swap in diced chicken breast, sliced smoked sausage, or even keep it vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms and extra peppers. The flavorful Cajun cream sauce ties it all together beautifully.

How can I make the dish less spicy?

If you’re sensitive to heat, skip the cayenne and use a mild Cajun seasoning blend. Taste as you go—you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it out!

Can I make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta dairy-free?

While the cream and cheese create the iconic texture, you can try using unsweetened coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The sauce will be slightly different but still deliciously creamy and flavorful.

Is there a way to lighten up this recipe?

Yes! For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the cheese a bit. Toss in some fresh spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies and fiber—the Cajun flavors will still shine through.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s as warming as it is exciting, I can’t recommend Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta enough. It’s quick enough for weeknights, delicious enough for company, and always guaranteed to bring big smiles to the table. Give it a try, and watch this spicy, creamy classic become a new favorite in your own kitchen!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a decadent and flavorful dish with this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe. Perfectly seasoned shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, creamy sauce come together to create a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta

Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Seasoning:

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Sauté in olive oil until cooked through; set aside.
Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic, bell peppers, and onion. Add cream, broth, cheeses, and seasonings. Simmer until thickened.
Combine and Serve: Return shrimp and pasta to skillet. Toss to coat in sauce. Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.