Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that marries tender shrimp with a rich, spicy cream sauce served over perfectly cooked penne pasta. This dish balances the bold, smoky spice of Cajun seasoning with the richness of heavy cream and sharpness of Parmesan cheese, making it a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare.
You’ll love how the juicy shrimp soak up the creamy, spicy sauce, and the sautéed garlic and diced tomatoes add layers of savory complexity. Garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, this pasta dish bursts with vibrant, comforting flavors perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How to Create Your Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain pasta and keep warm.
Step 2: Cook Shrimp
Toss shrimp with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and sauté for 1-2 minutes per side until opaque and cooked through. Remove and cover to keep warm.
Step 3: Make Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter with garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes and cook 2-3 minutes. Pour in heavy cream, remaining Cajun seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return shrimp and pasta to skillet. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water to thin sauce if needed. Garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley before serving.
My Best Tips for Success
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Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
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Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
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Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your heat preference.
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Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
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Sauté garlic gently to avoid bitterness.
Delicious Variations to Try
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Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra veggies.
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Substitute penne with linguine or fettuccine.
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Incorporate diced andouille sausage for smokier flavor.
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Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for lighter sauce.
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Garnish with lemon zest for a fresh citrus brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw properly in the fridge before cooking.
How spicy is this dish?
Moderate spice, adjustable with Cajun seasoning quantity.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead?
Sauce is best made fresh but can be reheated gently.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne, linguine, or fettuccine are good options.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
How long can leftovers be stored?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Print
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A decadent pasta with shrimp in smoky, spicy cream sauce with garlic, Cajun spices, and Parmesan, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
8 oz penne pasta
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain.
Toss shrimp with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Sauté in olive oil 1-2 mins per side until opaque. Remove.
Melt butter in skillet, sauté garlic 30 sec. Add tomatoes, cook 2-3 mins.
Stir in cream, remaining Cajun seasoning, Parmesan. Simmer 3-4 mins to thicken.
Add shrimp and pasta, toss well. Use pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
Serve with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan.
Avoid overcooking shrimp.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste.
Add pasta water gradually for sauce consistency.
Serve immediately for best creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun / Southern Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
Keywords: creamy cajun shrimp pasta, spicy shrimp pasta, cajun alfredo pasta, weeknight shrimp dinner, southern pasta recipe
