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5.0 from 66 votes

Cajun Shrimp Pasta

My cajun shrimp pasta is full of flavor and spice without being too spicy. It's a filling weeknight dinner that's surprisingly simple to make. Recipe includes a how-to video!

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 656 kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta I prefer linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
  • ¾ teaspoons dried oregano
  • ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper double this for a spicier dish
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon table salt plus more to taste
  • 1 lb extra large shrimp peeled, deveined, thawed and patted dry (tails on or off)
  • 2 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons butter salted or unsalted
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic  2-3 cloves
  • 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ⅔ cup chicken broth
  • 14.5 .5 oz can fire roasted tomatoes drained
  • ¾ cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus additional for serving

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Place shrimp in a large plastic bag and toss with remaining cajun seasoning until completely coated.
  4. 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.
  5. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  7. Sprinkle flour and remaining 1 teaspoon of cajun spice over the onion/garlic and cook, stirring, until all flour is absorbed.
  8. 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%.
  9. Add tomatoes and stir.
  10. Drizzle in heavy cream until combined.
  11. 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

Serving 1serving Calories 656kcal (33%) Carbohydrates 56g (19%) Protein 31g (62%) Fat 34g (52%) Saturated Fat 17g (85%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 12g Trans Fat 0.2g Cholesterol 218mg (73%) Sodium 1500mg (63%) Potassium 402mg (11%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 1956IU (39%) Vitamin C 5mg (6%) Calcium 310mg (31%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 656

% 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.