Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Lemon and Veggies
Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Lemon and Veggies combines spiced shrimp sautéed with garlic and corn alongside fettuccine and broccoli. The shrimp are seasoned with Cajun spices and cooked in butter, then tossed with pasta cooked together with broccoli. A lemon juice and Parmesan cheese finish adds a bright, savory touch. This pasta balances spice, citrus, and creamy elements for a flavorful main dish.
Ingredients
- 8-12 oz Shrimp fresh or frozen, raw
- 1 lb broccoli chopped florets
- 4 oz Fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup corn fresh, canned, or frozen
- 3 TBSP butter divided, unsalted
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning blend plus extra to taste
- 1 tsp garlic minced
- 1/4-1/2 salt to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika regular
- 1/8-1/4 tsp cayenne pepper for an optional kick of heat
- 1 lemon
- ½ heavy cream or half cream half milk, 3/4 cup
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese plus extra for topping, grated
- parsley fresh, chopped, garnish
Instructions
- Prep shrimp as needed (clean/peel/defrost). Tails may be left on or off depending on preference.
- Slice your lemon in half. Juice half the lemon into a small bowl and cut the remaining half into wedges. Measure out all remaining ingredients.
- Bring a pot of water to boil and add your pasta.
- Boil pasta for 5 minutes, add broccoli florets, then cook an additional minute or so until pasta is al dente and your broccoli is bright green.
- Pat shrimp dry and season on both sides with salt, pepper, cajun seasoning, paprika, and optional cayenne.
- Heat a large pan or skillet to medium-high heat and add 1 TBSP butter.
- Once butter is melted and pan is heated, add your shrimp and garlic.
- If you're using fresh corn, add it with the shrimp. Using canned or thawed/frozen corn? Add it towards the end.
- Saute until garlic is fragrant and shrimp is pink and opaque, approx. 4 minutes.
- Transfer shrimp and garlic to a bowl, leaving the juices behind.
- While the pan is still at medium-hot heat, add the juice of half your lemon and stir to release the brown bits from pan. Hello flavor!
- Add the remaining butter and cream (start with 1/2 cup and add more as needed/desired) and any extra cajun seasoning to taste. Whisk until slightly thickened. Then add your broccoli, pasta, and parmesan cheese. Mix to coat then add the shrimp. Top with lemon wedges, optional parsley, and as much parmesan as your heart desires.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to manage salt levels precisely; if using salted butter, adjust salt to taste at the end.
- Thaw frozen corn before use or drain and rinse canned corn to reduce excess salt.
- Pat shrimp dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure even searing.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to vary the level of heat according to preference.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 2 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 713
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 713kcal | 36% |
| Carbohydrates | 79g | 26% |
| Protein | 46g | 92% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 391mg | 130% |
| Sodium | 1165mg | 49% |
| Potassium | 1211mg | 26% |
| Fiber | 12g | 48% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 3082IU | 62% |
| Vitamin C | 240mg | 267% |
| Calcium | 449mg | 45% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.