Cajun Shrimp Pasta
User Reviews
5
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Description
The dish begins with seasoning the shrimp using a blend of smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. After searing the shrimp to a tender finish, onions and garlic are cooked until softened and aromatic. Flour and seasoning complete the base, which is gradually combined with chicken broth and fire-roasted tomatoes to build a flavorful sauce.
This sauce is enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, bringing a creamy texture and umami depth that clings to the linguine or spaghetti cooked separately. The combination of smoky, spicy shrimp and creamy tomato sauce creates a dish with contrasting flavors and smooth, satisfying texture.
Cajun Shrimp Pasta serves well as a hearty main course offering a balance of spice and creaminess. The smoky and slightly spicy notes complement the tender noodles and provide complexity without overwhelming the palate. Ideal for dinner, it can be served immediately after cooking for best texture.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta I prefer linguine or spaghetti
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoons oregano dried
- ¾ teaspoon thyme dried
- ½ teaspoon basil dried
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper double this for a spicier dish
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper ground
- ½ teaspoon table salt plus more to taste
- 1 lb Shrimp peeled, deveined, thawed and patted dry (tails on or off, extra large
- 2 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons butter salted or unsalted
- 1 yellow onion diced (about 1 cup, medium
- 2 teaspoons garlic 2-3 cloves, minced
- 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup chicken broth
- 14.5 .5 oz fire-roasted tomato drained, canned
- ¾ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese plus additional for serving, freshly grated
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and keep warm until ready to use (if your pasta is done early, toss with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking). As pasta cooks, prepare shrimp.
- In a small dish, whisk together paprika, oregano, thyme, basil, garlic and onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper and salt. Measure out one teaspoon of spice and set aside for the sauce later.
- Place shrimp in a large plastic bag and toss with remaining cajun seasoning until completely coated.
- Pour olive oil in a large skillet and turn heat to medium-hi. Once hot, sear the shrimp in batches and transfer to a plate once cooked through.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour and remaining 1 teaspoon of cajun spice over the onion/garlic and cook, stirring, until all flour is absorbed.
- While stirring, slowly drizzle in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze any browned bits on the bottom. Cook until the broth has been reduced about 50%.
- Add tomatoes and stir.
- Drizzle in heavy cream until combined.
- Add the cooked, drained pasta and parmesan cheese and toss until pasta is coated and cheese is melted. Return shrimp to the dish, cook until warmed through, and serve, topped with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 656 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 656kcal | 33% |
| Carbohydrates | 56g | 19% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 34g | 52% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 218mg | 73% |
| Sodium | 1500mg | 63% |
| Potassium | 402mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 1956IU | 39% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 310mg | 31% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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