Name: creamy cajun shrimp pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 400 g (14 oz) Linguine: Dried pasta is preferred for texture.; 300 g (10.5 oz) Raw Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined: Large or jumbo shrimp work best.; 2 tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal.; 2 tbsp (30 g) Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the sauce.; 3 cloves Garlic, Minced: Freshly minced for classic Cajun flavor.; 1 small Onion (80 g / 2.8 oz), Finely Diced: Provides a subtle sweetness.; 2 tsp (6 g) Homemade Cajun Spice Blend: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper.; 240 ml (1 cup) Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety texture.; 120 ml (½ cup) Vegetable Broth: Adds depth of flavor.; 1 large Roasted Red Pepper (80 g / 2.8 oz), Roughly Chopped: Roasted for sweetness and smoky flavor.; ½ tsp (1 g) Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky complexity.; 1 tbsp (15 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the sauce.; ½ tsp (2 g) Kosher Salt: Season to taste.; ¼ tsp (0.5 g) Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Enhances the flavor.; 2 tbsp (15 g) Toasted Pumpkin Seeds: Provides a crunchy texture.; 2 tbsp (8 g) Chopped Fresh Parsley: Adds color and freshness.

Description

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta features tender shrimp and linguine tossed in a vibrant, creamy sauce with a roasted red pepper swirl. It’s a flavorful and impressive weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

400 g (14 oz) Linguine: Dried pasta is preferred for texture.
300 g (10.5 oz) Raw Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined: Large or jumbo shrimp work best.
2 tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal.
2 tbsp (30 g) Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
3 cloves Garlic, Minced: Freshly minced for classic Cajun flavor.
1 small Onion (80 g / 2.8 oz), Finely Diced: Provides a subtle sweetness.
2 tsp (6 g) Homemade Cajun Spice Blend: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper.
240 ml (1 cup) Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety texture.
120 ml (½ cup) Vegetable Broth: Adds depth of flavor.
1 large Roasted Red Pepper (80 g / 2.8 oz), Roughly Chopped: Roasted for sweetness and smoky flavor.
½ tsp (1 g) Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky complexity.
1 tbsp (15 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the sauce.
½ tsp (2 g) Kosher Salt: Season to taste.
¼ tsp (0.5 g) Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Enhances the flavor.
2 tbsp (15 g) Toasted Pumpkin Seeds: Provides a crunchy texture.
2 tbsp (8 g) Chopped Fresh Parsley: Adds color and freshness.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil linguine until al dente, reserving pasta water.
Make Red Pepper Cream: Blend roasted red pepper with cream until smooth.
Season Shrimp: Toss shrimp with Cajun spice blend.
Sauté Shrimp: Sauté shrimp until pink and cooked through.
Build Flavor Base: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil and butter.
Bloom Spices: Stir in Cajun spice blend and smoked paprika.
Create Cream Sauce: Deglaze with broth, add cream and red pepper puree, simmer.
Combine and Finish: Return shrimp to skillet, add pasta, and toss.
Plate and Garnish: Serve with red pepper swirl, pumpkin seeds, and parsley.

Notes

Reserving pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency. Pat shrimp dry for a good sear. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: Sauté
Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 650 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 500 mg
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 60 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 150 mg

Keywords: pasta, shrimp, cajun, spicy, creamy, red pepper, dinner, weeknight