4.9 from 75 votes
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a creamy pasta dish packed with parmesan cheese, garlic, Cajun seasoning and tender shrimp. This restaurant quality meal is so quick and easy to make!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 694 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian , American
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning (store bought or homemade (see below))
Homemade Cajun Seasoning (Makes Approximately 4 tbsp)
- 3 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Pasta
- 1 lb penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 1 lb Shrimp (fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning (divided)
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter (or salted butter)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 14 ounce can diced tomatoes (or canned crushed tomatoes )
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
Garnish
- Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 2 tablespoon parsley to garnish (chopped)
Instructions
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw them first by running cold water over them, or let thaw in fridge.
- NOTE: While you are preparing the shrimp and the sauce, you can start cooking the pasta according to the package instructions to al dente and drain when finished. Be sure to add salt to the pasta water. Reserve 1 cup of the cooked pasta water in case you need to thicken the sauce.
- Toss the shrimp with half of the Cajun seasoning. In a deep skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and sauté for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp is no longer translucent and turns pink. Remove the shrimp from the pan and cover to keep warm.
- In the same pan make the sauce. Do not wipe the pan clean. Over medium heat, add the butter, minced garlic and remaining half of Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute, or until butter is completely melted and garlic is fragrant.
- Add in the diced tomatoes and sauté for 1 – 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Slowly pour in the cream, stirring well to combine. Add in the Parmesan cheese and let simmer until sauce thickens.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and add in the cooked pasta. Stir until all the pasta is coated with the sauce.
- Garnish with more Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve and enjoy!
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
694kcal
(35%)
Carbohydrates
68g
(23%)
Protein
32g
(64%)
Fat
34g
(52%)
Saturated Fat
19g
(95%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
10g
Trans Fat
0.2g
Cholesterol
210mg
(70%)
Sodium
1508mg
(63%)
Potassium
717mg
(20%)
Fiber
6g
(24%)
Sugar
6g
(12%)
Vitamin A
2879IU
(58%)
Vitamin C
14mg
(16%)
Calcium
272mg
(27%)
Iron
4mg
(22%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 694
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 694kcal | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 68g | 23% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 34g | 52% |
| Saturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 210mg | 70% |
| Sodium | 1508mg | 63% |
| Potassium | 717mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 2879IU | 58% |
| Vitamin C | 14mg | 16% |
| Calcium | 272mg | 27% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.