Description
Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe that makes for the BEST pasta dinner that is ready in under 30 minutes! Buttery cajun shrimp in a creamy cajun sauce mixed with pasta. An easy pasta dish packed with so much flavor!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp cajun seasoning
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp parsley, optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the penne pasta in a pot of salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Keep some of the pasta water for the sauce then drain the pasta and cover to keep warm.
- Step 2: Coat the shrimp with 1 Tbsp of the cajun seasoning. In a deep skillet, heat 1 Tbsp oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and saute for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp is no longer translucent, remove from skillet and cover to keep warm.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt 2 Tbsp butter with the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add in the diced tomatoes and saute for about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy whipping cream, remaining 1 Tbsp cajun seasoning and grated parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer then reduce to medium/low heat and continue 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Add the shrimp and pasta back into the skillet and stir until the noodles are coated in sauce and everything is heated through. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce. To serve, garnish with more parmesan and chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
Different brands of cajun seasoning have varying amounts of salt and spiciness. If your seasoning is saltier, start with half of the seasoning and add more to taste. You can substitute penne for rigatoni, ziti, mostaccioli, or elbow pasta, and add vegetables like onion, bell peppers, asparagus, or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 523 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 745 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 289 mg
Keywords: cajun shrimp pasta, 30-Minute Meals, shrimp, cajun spice