Cajun shrimp pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner for anyone craving bold flavor, creamy comfort, and quick prep. With tender shrimp coated in homemade Cajun spices and nestled in a velvety cream sauce, this dish brings the heat—without the hassle. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or spice up your pasta routine, this recipe delivers rich Southern charm in under 30 minutes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 25 minutes, including prep.
- Big flavor, minimal effort: The Cajun seasoning does the heavy lifting.
- Customizable heat: Adjust the spice level to match your taste.
- Restaurant quality at home: Creamy sauce and perfectly sautéed shrimp make it feel gourmet.
- Flexible ingredients: Works with gluten-free pasta or other proteins like chicken or scallops.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan (freshly grated recommended)
- 1 tbsp kosher salt (for pasta water)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed to thin sauce)
Instructions
- Season the shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning and olive oil. Set aside.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Sear the shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and pour in heavy cream. Scrape the pan to release browned bits, then let the cream simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Add cheese: Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Add drained pasta and cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat. If sauce is too thick, add pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until desired consistency.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Plate hot and enjoy immediately.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 430
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 255mg
- Sodium: 1,900mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Calcium: 247mg
- Iron: 2.7mg
Tips & Variations
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the Cajun blend.
- Tone it down: Use a mild Cajun mix or reduce the seasoning for a kid-friendly version.
- Protein swaps: Try chicken breast, scallops, or even plant-based sausage.
- Add vegetables: Bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes make tasty, colorful additions.
- Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream and vegan cheese alternatives.
- Cheese tip: Always grate fresh Parmesan for a smooth, melt-in sauce.
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Equipment
- – Large skillet
- – Pasta pot
- – Cheese grater
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- – 8 oz penne pasta
- – 1 lb raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- – 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- – 1 tbsp olive oil
- – 1 tbsp butter
- – 1 cup heavy cream
- – ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- – 1 tbsp kosher salt for pasta water
- – ½ cup reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
- Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning and olive oil.
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 1–2 min per side. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium. Add cream to the skillet and deglaze.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add pasta and shrimp to sauce. Toss to coat. Thin with pasta water if needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
– Control spice by adjusting Cajun seasoning.
– Add vegetables for color and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Penne holds the sauce well, but fettuccine, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta also work great.
Can I prep it ahead?
This dish is best fresh, but leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely. Choose a low-sodium Cajun blend or make your own to control the heat.
Can I freeze it?
Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy sauce separating when thawed.
What should I serve with it?
A green salad, roasted broccoli, or garlic bread pairs beautifully.
How do I make homemade Cajun seasoning?
Mix: 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp cayenne, ¼ tsp black pepper, pinch of thyme and oregano.
Conclusion
Cajun shrimp pasta is that magical blend of spicy, creamy, and comforting—all in one skillet. It’s bold enough for date night but easy enough for any Tuesday. Whether you serve it solo or with sides, it’s bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation.