Description
A luscious and flavorful Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta combining perfectly seasoned shrimp with tender linguine, smothered in a rich, cheesy Cajun cream sauce infused with fresh herbs. This 35-minute meal offers a spicy, comforting twist on classic pasta, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed, patted dry
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (for shrimp)
Pasta & Vegetables
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 small yellow onion, coarsely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, coarsely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce & Garnish
- 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided (2 tbsp for shrimp, 2 tbsp for sautéing veggies, 2 tbsp for cream sauce)
- 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
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Season and Sear Shrimp: Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of kosher salt. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes on each side until just cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add 2 more tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and red bell pepper for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally to incorporate the olive oil evenly into the cream.
- Melt Cheese into Sauce: Stir in the finely grated parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt completely into a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked linguine and shrimp to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly with the sauce.
- Add Herbs and Season: Stir in the finely chopped parsley and thinly sliced chives. Taste the dish and adjust seasonings by adding more kosher salt or Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta hot, topped with additional grated parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if preferred for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- To make it spicier, increase the Cajun seasoning or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh parsley and chives for optimal freshness and flavor impact.
- You can prepare the Cajun seasoning at home using paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper for a more customized spice level.
- Reserve pasta water helps to adjust sauce consistency and binds the sauce to the pasta well.
- Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; they cook quickly in the skillet.
- The dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Cajun
