Cajun Shrimp Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
575 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Description
The Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe features shrimp tossed in Cajun seasoning and briefly sautéed to maintain a tender texture. The pasta is cooked al dente to provide a pleasant firmness against the creamy sauce. The sauce itself is built from softened onions and peppers, optionally balanced by smoked sausage slices, simmered with crushed tomatoes and heavy cream to achieve a slightly thickened consistency. Parmesan cheese incorporated at the end adds a gentle depth and creaminess. This interplay of spicy seasoning, creamy sauce, and varied textures makes this pasta a well-rounded dish.
Serving this pasta hot showcases the shrimp and vegetables amidst the sauce-coated penne. It can stand alone as a filling entrée, ideal for a hearty dinner. The optional parsley garnish can add a fresh note if desired.
A note on garnishing suggests fresh parsley for added color and brightness, which can be added just before serving.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta or other pasta shape
- 1 pound Shrimp peeled and deveined, or large, medium
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning divided
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 bell pepper red & green, diced
- 8 ounces smoked sausage sliced, optional but recommended
- 14 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and garlic powder.
- In a Dutch oven or deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- While shrimp is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm). Drain well but do not rinse.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet and cook until the onion begins to soften, about 2-3 minutes. Add peppers and sausage if using, and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and remaining cajun seasoning. Simmer uncovered for 3 to 4 minutes or until slightly thickened.
- Add pasta, parmesan cheese, and shrimp with any juices. Stir until heated through, and the cheese is melted. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
Notes
- Fresh parsley makes a good garnish to brighten the final dish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 575 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 575 | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 33g | 51% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 275mg | 92% |
| Sodium | 1105mg | 46% |
| Potassium | 602mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 3160IU | 63% |
| Vitamin C | 61mg | 68% |
| Calcium | 245mg | 25% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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