Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta: The Perfect Weeknight Dinner
This creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a comfort food masterpiece, featuring succulent shrimp tossed with tender pasta in a rich, velvety sauce seasoned perfectly with bold Cajun spices. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but feels indulgent enough for a special occasion, ready in under 30 minutes. The secret to its flavor is browning the seasoning right into the butter.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes Servings: 4
Ingredients
8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (salt-free preferred)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Salt and black pepper to taste
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce: For an elevated, balanced warmth, stir 1–2 teaspoons of Blazing Citrus Medium Sauce into the sauce just before adding the shrimp and pasta. It adds an everyday heat and brightness that perfectly complements the Cajun spices.
Heat Level: 5.5 out of 10 🔥
Blazing Citrus “Medium” Hot Sauce brings bright sweet heat to any dish. Made with grapefruit juice instead of vinegar, it delivers a clean citrus finish with a smooth serrano kick at a comfortable medium heat. Spoon it over tacos, grilled chicken, shrimp, crispy potatoes, eggs, or grain bowls, or whisk it into mayo or yogurt for an instant dip or dressing. Crowd friendly and full of flavor, it lifts rich foods and makes everyday meals pop.
1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Spice: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter and olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Cream and Shrimp: Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Add the shrimp and cook for 3–5 minutes, until they are pink and cooked through. The sauce will begin to thicken.
4.Toss and Serve: Turn the heat to low. Add the cooked, drained pasta and the 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Tips & Variations
Add Veggies: Sauté 1/2 cup of sliced bell peppers (red or green) and 1/4 cup of chopped celery along with the onion for added color and flavor complexity.
Spice Level Control: Taste the Cajun seasoning before using it; if it is very salty, adjust the added salt accordingly.
Protein Swap: Replace the shrimp with 1 lb of sliced chicken breast or small sausage pieces. Cook the chicken or sausage first until browned, then remove before proceeding with step 2.
Other Users Suggest
Swap: Replace the heavy cream with 1 cup of half-and-half and 1 tablespoon of cream cheese. This results in a slightly lighter but still creamy sauce texture.
Swap: Use penne or rotini pasta instead of fettuccine. The smaller, shaped pasta holds the creamy sauce exceptionally well.
Swap: Substitute the 1/2 cup of chicken broth with dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio). Allow the wine to reduce by half before adding the heavy cream for a deeper flavor base.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb the sauce as it cools.
Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the sauce's creaminess.
Freeze: Freezing is not recommended as the cream-based sauce tends to separate upon thawing.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 510 Protein: 40g Carbs: 45g Fat: 20g
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