Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with a Balanced Spicy Kick
A Velvety Southern Classic with a Medium Sweet & Spicy Glow
What makes this the best Cajun shrimp pasta? The secret to a restaurant-quality Cajun pasta is the quick-sear technique and the use of starchy pasta water combined with Blazing Citrus Medium Hot Sauce. Unlike heavy cream sauces that can feel flat, our method sears the shrimp in Cajun spices to create a flavorful "fond" that builds the base of the sauce. By whisking in our vinegar-free Blazing Citrus Medium, you add a Medium Sweet and Spicy brightness (6/10 Heat) that cuts through the rich cream, providing a zesty citrus finish that perfectly complements the succulent seafood.
Heat Level: Blazing Citrus Medium | Medium (6/10) - Sweet & Spicy
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 520
Protein: 34g
Carbs: 42g
Fat: 22g
Nutrition facts may be estimated based on standard ingredient databases.
Ingredients:
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
2 tbsp (30 ml) Cajun seasoning (low sodium preferred)
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 large red bell pepper (capsicum), thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
1/2 cup (120 ml) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) salt (to taste)
2 tbsp (30 ml) Eleven Eleven Sauce’s Blazing Citrus Medium Hot Sauce
Ingredient Spotlight: Cajun Seasoning
Authentic Cajun seasoning is a robust blend usually consisting of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried herbs like thyme and oregano. It is vital for this dish because it provides the "backbone" of the flavor. Using a high-quality blend ensures a balance of heat and herbiness without over-salting the delicate shrimp.
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce: If you enjoy an everyday heat that doesn't mask the flavor of the seafood, our Blazing Citrus Medium Sauce is the perfect addition. This vinegar free hot sauce for cooking provides a bright, acidic lift that cuts through the richness of the heavy cream. Simply whisk the Eleven Eleven sauce into the cream as it simmers to create a more complex, multi-dimensional sauce for your weeknight meals.
The Balanced Sweet Heat Experience
Heat Level: 6/10
Vinegar Content: 0%
Flavor Profile: Medium Spicy, Sweet
Base: Organic Citrus
Calories: 10
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 30mg
Total Carbohydrates: 2g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 0g
Directions: Blazing Citrus Medium should be applied liberally to lighter fare where a balance of sweetness and heat is desired. Shake well to ensure the citrus blend is consistent. It is particularly effective as a glaze for seafood or a topping for street tacos. For the best flavor experience, apply the sauce toward the end of the cooking process or as a finishing touch to prevent the natural sugars from scorching. Refrigeration after opening will help preserve the delicate sweet-heat balance.
Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Pro-Tip: Before draining the pasta, scoop out about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the cloudy pasta water; this liquid gold is essential for thinning the sauce later if it becomes too thick.
While the pasta cooks, toss the shrimp in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper (capsicum) and sauté for 3 minutes until slightly softened. Pro-Tip: Don't clean the pan before adding the peppers; the browned bits left behind by the shrimp are packed with concentrated Cajun flavor that will infuse into the vegetables.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
Let the cream simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it begins to thicken. Whisk in the Blazing Citrus Medium sauce now for that balanced spice profile.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet, tossing everything together until the noodles are fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations:
Mastering the Sear: To get a restaurant-style crust on your shrimp, ensure your skillet is very hot before adding them. Use a high-smoke-point oil and avoid stirring the shrimp for the first 90 seconds; this allows the spices to caramelize against the heat, creating a savory exterior while keeping the inside tender.
Regional Swap (Italian): Transform this into a "Cajun-Afredo" fusion by adding more Parmesan and a touch of nutmeg to the cream sauce. Swap the bell peppers for sun-dried tomatoes and use coriander (cilantro) instead of parsley to bridge the gap between Mediterranean creaminess and Southern spice.
Choosing the Right Pasta: While fettuccine is traditional for cream sauces because its wide surface area holds the glaze well, you can use penne or fusilli for a more kid-friendly version. The ridges in short pasta shapes are excellent for "trapping" the small bits of garlic and spice, ensuring every forkful is flavorful.
Prevent Sauce Breaking: Never allow the cream sauce to reach a rolling boil once the Parmesan is added. High heat can cause the dairy to separate or the cheese to become clumpy and oily. Keep the temperature at a gentle simmer to maintain a silky, homogenous texture.
Add More Protein: If you want a heartier "Surf and Turf" version, sauté some sliced andouille sausage along with the bell peppers. The smoky, fatty juices from the sausage will further season the cream, making the dish even more decadent and traditionally Cajun.
Other Users Suggest:
Replacing: Heavy cream.
New Measurement: 1.5 cups (360 ml) full-fat coconut milk.
Why: Creates a dairy-free version that adds a subtle tropical sweetness which pairs beautifully with the citrus notes of the sauce.
Replacing: Shrimp.
New Measurement: 1 lb (450 g) sliced chicken breast.
Why: A great alternative for those with shellfish allergies; just ensure to sear the chicken thoroughly before making the sauce.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze:
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Seafood is best enjoyed fresh.
Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop with an extra splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, as pasta absorbs liquid as it sits.
Freeze: This dish does not freeze well due to the high dairy content in the sauce, which can grain or separate when thawed.
People Also Ask
How do I prevent my shrimp from becoming rubbery in pasta? Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in just 2 minutes per side. The key is to sear them first, remove them from the pan, and only add them back at the very last second once the sauce and pasta are combined. This ensures they stay "snappy" and tender rather than overcooking in the simmering cream sauce.
Can I use hot sauce in a creamy Cajun sauce? Yes, but traditional vinegar-based sauces can make the heavy cream taste sour or broken. Blazing Citrus Medium is 100% vinegar-free, using fresh grapefruit juice instead. This adds a "Sweet & Spicy" fruit-forward lift that enhances the smokiness of the Cajun seasoning without the harsh metallic vinegar bite, keeping the sauce silky and balanced.
What is the "secret" to the perfect pasta sauce consistency? Before draining your noodles, always reserve about 1/2 cup of the cloudy pasta water. This water is full of starch, which acts as a natural emulsifier. If your Cajun cream sauce becomes too thick or "clumpy" after adding the Parmesan, a splash of this starchy water will bind the sauce to the noodles, creating a smooth, professional-grade glaze.
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