Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Let’s face it, shrimp and pasta is a combo everybody loves. Pasta is very versatile, you can change the sauce or toppings and the possibilities are endless! Anything can be used as an ingredient, even Portobello Mushrooms.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Today, we present to you a Cajun-style pasta dish. An easy and creamy recipe but with a hint of spice and heat.

Shrimp are coated in Cajun seasoning which gives them a delicious smoky and earthy flavor that is toned down by a creamy white sauce with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese that just melts in your mouth.

Cajun shrimp pasta is a great alternative for a family dinner or even a fancy meal served to guests. you might also like this Cajun Mac And Cheese, and Shrimp pasta salad.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE CAJUN SHRIMP PASTA:

This is what you’ll need to make Cajun Shrimp Pasta:

• Linguine
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Large shrimp
• Cajun seasoning
• Butter
• Flour
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Parsley
• White wine
• Pasta cooking water

If you don’t have linguine, you can use spaghetti or fettuccine. Also, be mindful of the amount of Cajun seasoning you add if you are feeding young children.

HOW TO MAKE CAJUN SHRIMP PASTA?

1. Cook the linguine according to package directions, and save one cup of the cooking water. Drain and return the pasta to the pot. Add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent it from sticking.
2. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and cajun seasoning
3. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil, cook the shrimp until just pink, about 2 minutes. Remove from the pan and transfer to a plate.
   
4. Using the same saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook it until it is slightly golden.
5. Whisk in the white wine and the heavy cream. Keep whisking to prevent lumps from forming, and cook for about a minute.
   
6. Stir in the reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper
7. At this time, mix in the linguine
8. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and add the chopped parsley. Mix everything together and adjust the seasoning.
   

WHAT KIND OF CAJUN SEASONING SHOULD I USE?

There are several brands that I like, like Zatarains, Tony Chachere’s, Badia, and McCormick. But you can definitely make it yourself. I like this recipe:

• 2 tbsp paprika
• 2 tbsp garlic powder
• 2tbsp oregano
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 2 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper

WHAT TO SERVE WITH CAJUN SHRIMP PASTA?

A tossed salad is the perfect side dish for this rich meal. Check our blog for delicious salad recipes.

HEALTHY CAJUN SHRIMP PASTA RECIPE VARIATIONS

• Use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream to cut down on the calories
• For a healthier version, you can choose to use whole-wheat pasta
• Can’t eat dairy or gluten? Use coconut milk as the base of your sauce. Cook the shrimp, add the coconut milk, and reduce until desired consistency. Use gluten-free pasta.

Some of my favorite shrimp dinners are Marinated grilled shrimp & spicy creole shrimp dip.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pata is a feast for the palate!

5 from 19 votes

Print Save Rate

Course: Pasta, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 494kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• salt
• 1 lb linguine
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
• ¼ cup dry white wine
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

• Cook the linguine according to package directions, and save one cup of the cooking water. Drain and return the pasta to the pot. Add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent it from sticking.
• Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning
• In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil, and cook shrimp just until pink, about 2 minutes. Remove from the pan and transfer to a plate.
• Using the same saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook it until slightly golden.
• Whisk in the white wine and the heavy cream. Keep whisking to prevent lumps from forming, and cook for about a minute.
• Whisk in the reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper
• At this time, mix in the linguine
• Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and add the chopped parsley. Mix everything together and check the seasoning for salt.

Nutrition

Calories: 494kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 16g

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