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5.0 from 3 votes

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is an easy and hearty pasta dish that's packed with bold flavours and is sure to satisfy!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Servings: 3
Calories: 669 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the shrimp:
  • 150 g (0.3 lb) Shrimp
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 ½ teaspoon Cajun Seasoning
  • 2 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2-3 teaspoon Cajun
For the pasta:
  • 200 g (0.4 lb) tagliatelle
  • water
  • salt
For the sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2-3 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ (40g) yellow onion diced
  • ½ (80g) red bell pepper diced
  • 2 teaspoon concentrated tomato paste
  • 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cooking cream
  • 2-3 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning see note 2
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes see note 3
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ cup parmesan freshly grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil (or parsley) chopped
  • salt to taste
For the garnish:
  • fresh basil or parsley
  • parmesan freshly grated

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Prep your shrimp. If using fresh raw ones, peel and devein them. And if using frozen ones, make sure they are defrosted and pat any moisture dry with a paper towel.
  2. Season the shrimp with Cajun blend, smoked paprika and lemon juice. Mix and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Heat olive oil in a medium-sized pan. Use the same pan for pasta later. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook on medium-high heat. The shrimp cook very fast, so don’t fry them for more than 2-3 minutes per side. Flip only once and remove from the pan once they are golden brown and have formed a crust.
  4. Fill a big pot with water one-third of its way. Add around a tablespoon of salt and bring it to boil. Then add the tagliatelle and cook it al dente according to the timings on your package. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
  5. Meanwhile, in the same pan, melt some butter and scrape any bits stuck to the pan. Then saute the minced garlic for 1 minute on medium heat. Add in the diced onion and red bell pepper. Saute for another 3-4 minutes until both veggies are soft.
  6. Mix in tomato paste and add a splash of water to loosen the concentrated tomato.
  7. Pour the cream and bring the heat to medium-low. Add the Cajun seasoning, dried parsley and smoked paprika. Mix well and let the cream thicken slightly. Then turn the heat to low and mix in freshly grated Parmesan. Taste for salt at this point and adjust if needed.
  8. Toss in cooked pasta, shrimp and chopped fresh basil. Add in half to one cup of pasta water depending on how saucy you want it. Incorporate everything well and turn off the heat. Don’t let the pasta sit for too long on a hot stove or the cream will start thickening further.
  9. Add to your serving dish and garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan. Enjoy with garlic bread!

Notes

  • Frozen, blanched shrimp will require less cooking time than raw shrimp.
  • Different brands of Cajun seasoning vary in flavor and salt content. Start by adding 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, and then adjust with more seasoning or extra salt, if needed.
  • Reduce or skip the red pepper flakes if you don’t like too much spice.
  • For the best flavour, go with a block of Parmesan cheese. Skip the pre-shredded stuff!
  • Frozen, blanched shrimp will require less cooking time than raw shrimp.
  • Different brands of Cajun seasoning vary in flavor and salt content. Start by adding 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, and then adjust with more seasoning or extra salt, if needed.
  • Reduce or skip the red pepper flakes if you don’t like too much spice.
  • For the best flavour, go with a block of Parmesan cheese. Skip the pre-shredded stuff!

Nutrition Information

Calories 669kcal (33%) Carbohydrates 55g (18%) Protein 19g (38%) Fat 43g (66%) Saturated Fat 25g (125%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g Monounsaturated Fat 12g Trans Fat 0.2g Cholesterol 166mg (55%) Sodium 349mg (15%) Potassium 427mg (12%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 4046IU (81%) Vitamin C 3mg (3%) Calcium 294mg (29%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 3Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 669

% Daily Value*

Calories 669kcal 33%
Carbohydrates 55g 18%
Protein 19g 38%
Fat 43g 66%
Saturated Fat 25g 125%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Monounsaturated Fat 12g 60%
Trans Fat 0.2g 10%
Cholesterol 166mg 55%
Sodium 349mg 15%
Potassium 427mg 9%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 4046IU 81%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 294mg 29%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.