If you are craving a dish that bursts with spicy, creamy, and downright comforting flavors, this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. Tender shrimp coated in bold Cajun seasoning swim through a luscious, velvety sauce made with garlic, cream, and parmesan, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it an absolute go-to for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your favorite ways to enjoy seafood and pasta rolled into one unforgettable plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe shines because of its straightforward, quality ingredients that each bring something unique to the table. From the smoky, spicy Cajun seasoning to the rich cream and sharp parmesan, every item plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish special.
- 8 oz penne pasta: Provides the perfect shape and bite to capture the creamy sauce in every forkful.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the Cajun spices beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to sear the shrimp evenly without sticking, adding a subtle fruitiness.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided: Adds the essential spicy, smoky kick that defines the dish’s bold character.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Enriches the base for your sauce with smooth creaminess and depth.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic delivers an aromatic punch that enhances every bite.
- ½ cup diced tomatoes: Adds a slight acidity and fresh texture, balancing the richness perfectly.
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream: Creates the decadently creamy sauce that coats the pasta and shrimp.
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more to serve: Brings a salty, nutty complexity that melds the sauce together beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a touch of fresh color and brightness for garnish.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it reaches al dente—just tender enough to hold its shape with a little bite. Don’t forget to save a bit of the pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid helps adjust the sauce’s thickness later. Cover the drained pasta to keep it warm and ready for the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Season and Sauté the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, toss the shrimp in 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to ensure every bite has that signature spice. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat and lay the shrimp in a single layer for an even sear. Cook them just 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and curl slightly—this keeps them moist and juicy. Remove the shrimp to a plate and cover to stay warm.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes
In the same skillet, let 2 tablespoons of butter melt and then add minced garlic. Sauté just until the garlic becomes fragrant—about 30 seconds—to avoid bitterness. Next, stir in diced tomatoes and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This adds a subtle sweetness and fresh tang, balancing the richness of the sauce perfectly.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Pour in the heavy whipping cream and sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning into the skillet. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and allow the sauce to thicken for 2 to 3 minutes. The cheese melts into the cream, creating a velvety sauce bursting with spicy, cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked shrimp and penne pasta to the skillet, stirring gently until everything is well coated in the sauce and heated through. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the saved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency. Finish with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and chopped parsley if you want a fresh, herbaceous note.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a refreshing herbal pop that lifts the creamy sauce. A little extra parmesan grated on top can add an inviting cheesy crust as you dig in, making the eating experience even more satisfying.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness and adds a lovely crunch. You can also serve garlic bread on the side to soak up any leftover sauce — because why waste a single drop of that creamy magic?
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, try serving the pasta in shallow bowls and arranging the shrimp artfully on top. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few crackles of black pepper finish the dish elegantly. Alternatively, use colorful plates to enhance the vibrant orange-red hue of the Cajun shrimp and creamy sauce, making your meal as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness and avoid sogginess.
Freezing
Because of the creamy sauce and delicate shrimp, this recipe freezes best if you separate the components. Freeze the cooked pasta and sauce in one container and the shrimp in another to preserve texture. Try to consume frozen leftovers within a month for the best flavor.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the pasta and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s luscious consistency. Reheat shrimp carefully as they can become rubbery if overcooked, so add them at the very end just to warm through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly as long as you thaw them completely before cooking. This ensures even seasoning and proper cooking without excess moisture diluting the sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little flour to thicken, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich or creamy. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative if you want to keep the creaminess.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. Most blends have moderate spice, but you can always adjust the amount to your taste. Adding extra seasoning will kick it up, while reducing it will make it milder but still flavorful.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne holds the sauce beautifully, you can use other pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or rigatoni based on your preference. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap the penne pasta with a gluten-free variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy recipe to adapt.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a delightful way to bring restaurant-quality flavors into your home kitchen with ease and confidence. Its combination of spicy, creamy, and savory notes guarantees a crowd-pleasing meal that’s rich in texture and bold in taste. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s the perfect dish to spice up any weeknight or weekend dinner!
Print
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring perfectly sautéed Cajun-seasoned shrimp tossed with penne pasta in a rich, creamy tomato Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an ideal recipe for a quick yet indulgent dinner that brings a spicy Southern twist to classic creamy pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided (or to taste)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta. Cover the cooked pasta to keep warm.
- Cook Shrimp: Toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to coat evenly. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and sauté for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy whipping cream along with the remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and grated parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp and pasta to the skillet. Stir well to coat the pasta and shrimp with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Cook for an additional minute to heat through. Serve garnished with extra parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level and the brand’s intensity.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half though sauce will be less thick and creamy.
- Save some pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency at the end.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
