Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Inactive Time
15 mins
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Total Time
55 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
1006 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Description
The dish begins with a spice mix blending smoked paprika, garlic and onion powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and cracked black pepper to season the shrimp, which is marinated briefly. Linguine is cooked al dente, then shrimp is seared in butter until just opaque. Bell peppers and onions are sautéed in butter, seasoned with remaining spice mix for depth.
The ingredients combine in a creamy sauce enriched with heavy cream, Parmesan, and a touch of hot sauce to balance heat and richness. Fresh cilantro and green onions add brightness as a finishing touch. The shrimp's coating of spices enhances the flavor penetration and ties the components together.
Preparing components like chopping vegetables, seasoning shrimp, and making the spice mix ahead can streamline cooking. Using pre-peeled, deveined shrimp saves time. The recipe balances creaminess, spice, and fresh elements in a satisfying pasta suitable for a flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
cajun spice mix
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper cracked
shrimp pasta
- 16 Shrimp peeled and deveined, extra large
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 12 ounces linguine
- 5 1/2 tablespoons butter divided, unsalted
- 1/4 yellow onion thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper seeded and thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 2 ounces Parmesan Cheese
- 1 tablespoon cilantro minced
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
cajun spice blend
- Place all Cajun spice mix ingredients into a small mixing bowl and whisk together.
shrimp pasta
- In another mixing bowl toss together shrimp, oil and half of the spice mix until shrimp is evenly coated. Allow mixture to sit for 15 minutes.
- Fill a large pot with water, place over high heat and bring to a boil. Add a small handful of salt and add linguine. Cook linguine, stirring occasionally until al dente, 7 to 9 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1 1/2 tablespoon butter. Add half the shrimp and sear on each side for about 3 minutes or until shrimp just turns opaque and barely cooks through. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside. Repeat with remaining shrimp.
- Return skillet to stove and melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add onion and bell peppers and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle vegetables with remaining spice mix and continue to sauté for an additional 2to 3 minutes. Deglaze skillet with pasta water and simmer until water evaporates and vegetables have softened. Transfer vegetables to plate with shrimp.
- Return skillet to stove and melt remaining butter. Add cream to skillet and simmer until cream has reduced by 1/3, about 4 minutes.
- Add hot sauce and grated Parmesan to cream and stir together until sauce thickens enough to coat a wooden spoon.
- Add pasta to sauce and toss together.
- Add shrimp, vegetables and cilantro to skillet and continue to toss together until everything is evenly coated in sauce. Season with salt and pepper and toss together.
- Top pasta with sliced green onion and serve.
Notes
- Slice onions and bell peppers up to three days ahead; store in an airtight container refrigerated.
- Thaw, peel, and devein shrimp up to one day in advance, keeping refrigerated and rinsed well before use.
- Prepare Cajun spice mix up to three months ahead for convenience.
- Keep chopped green onions and minced cilantro stored separately in airtight containers refrigerated for up to two days.
- Opt for previously frozen shrimp from the freezer section to save money without sacrificing quality.
- If short on time, thaw shrimp quickly by running cool water over them in a colander.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1006 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 1006kcal | 50% |
| Carbohydrates | 74g | 25% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 69g | 106% |
| Saturated Fat | 40g | 200% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 275mg | 92% |
| Sodium | 1128mg | 47% |
| Potassium | 515mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 3882IU | 78% |
| Vitamin C | 96mg | 107% |
| Calcium | 328mg | 33% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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