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
Scale
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
