Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Broccoli 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
2 servings
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Calories
461 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta
Description
Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta uses peeled shrimp seasoned with garlic powder, parsley, Cajun seasoning, and salt, cooked in olive oil until opaque and lightly sautéed with garlic. Bowtie pasta is boiled until tender and briefly blanched with broccoli florets to soften them just right. The pasta and broccoli are combined with a sauce made from half and half and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which thickens gently to create a smooth coating. Paprika and additional salt and pepper season the dish, providing layers of flavor and a mild smoky note from the Cajun blend.
The texture contrasts tender pasta and shrimp with the slight firmness of broccoli pieces, offering both freshness and creaminess. The moderate use of seasoning highlights the shrimp’s flavor without overpowering the dish. This pasta works well as a hearty weeknight meal and pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up extra sauce.
Cooking from either fresh or frozen shrimp is fine, though pre-cooked shrimp is discouraged due to rubbery texture. The recipe suggests a way to cut broccoli tops finely for a subtle vegetable presence spread evenly throughout the pasta. Leftover sauce can be thinned with a splash of half and half if it becomes too thick upon resting.
Ingredients
- 25 Shrimp see notes, medium, raw
- 2 cups bowtie pasta
- 1.5 cups broccoli chopped florets
- ½ tsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp parsley
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1 clove garlic smashed and minced
- ¼ cup half and half half cream and half milk
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning blend
- salt to taste, additional
- black pepper to taste, additional
- paprika a sprinkle
- Parmesan Cheese for topping, extra
Instructions
- Defrost shrimp if using frozen. If using whole shrimp, clean/peel/de-vein shrimp as needed.
- If using fresh, set aside and grab your pasta!
- Cook pasta as directed until tender.
- Next steam or blanch your broccoli tops. Save time and dishes by blanching them quickly in the pot of boiling pasta water. You can do this during the last minute or two of the pasta's cook time.
- While your pasta and broccoli cook, bring a pan/skillet to medium-high heat with 1/2 tsp of olive oil.
- Add the shrimp and toss to coat, then top with garlic powder, parsley, and salt.
- Cook shrimp until pink and opaque, adding the garlic in for a quick saute towards the end to prevent it from burning. If the pan is dry you can add a smidgen of olive oil before adding the garlic.
- Drain the pasta and add back into the pot.
- To coat my pasta in teeny broccoli "sprinkles" versus chunks of broccoli, I use a knife to slice off the very top portion of the broccoli, avoiding the stalk altogether.
- I save the leftover broccoli to make a basil-broccoli pesto or freeze them to use in mac and cheese recipes. Feel free to add large chunks into your pasta if you prefer! It's great both ways!
- Reduce heat to medium setting and pour in the half and half, cheese, and cajun seasoning.
- Stir constantly until the dairy thickens into a delicious sauce.
- Add in your shrimp along with your broccoli and stir to coat.
- Taste, then add any additional seasoning you'd like. Extra cajun kick is always welcome!
- At this point you may also want to add a little more milk to thin the sauce. Add 2-3 tablespoons and give it a good stir!
- Plate then top with a sprinkle of paprika and a light shaving of Parmesan cheese. Yum!
Notes
- Use either fresh or frozen shrimp, avoiding pre-cooked types for better texture.
- You can buy peeled and deveined shrimp or do it yourself; any size works as long as you season according to quantity.
- If sauce is too thick after resting, thin with a little extra half and half or milk.
- Slice only the broccoli florets' top for small vegetable bits in the pasta, avoiding stalks for texture balance.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 461 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 461kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 52g | 17% |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 305mg | 102% |
| Sodium | 1266mg | 53% |
| Potassium | 480mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 876IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 66mg | 73% |
| Calcium | 389mg | 39% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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