Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
20 mins
-
Total Time
25 mins
-
Servings
6 servings
-
Calories
523 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
American
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Description
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta starts by cooking penne to al dente and setting it aside. Shrimp are coated with Cajun seasoning and sautéed in olive oil until opaque and cooked through. In the same pan, butter and garlic are cooked briefly to release aroma before diced tomatoes are added and sautéed. Heavy whipping cream, additional Cajun seasoning, and Parmesan cheese are then stirred in and gently simmered to thicken.
The cooked shrimp and pasta are returned to the skillet and tossed in the sauce, ensuring even coating. Additional seasoning can be adjusted to taste, starting with less salt-heavy Cajun seasoning when needed. The pasta offers a tender yet firm bite, accompanied by the creamy, spicy sauce and the savory shrimp.
This dish benefits from garnishing with parsley if available and pairs well as a flavorful, satisfying meal on its own.
Variations include substituting different pasta shapes or adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauté step for more texture and flavor complexity.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Shrimp peeled and deveined, large
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning divided *or added to taste depending on brand used.
- 2 Tbsp butter unsalted
- 2 garlic minced, cloves
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese plus more to serve, grated
- 2 Tbsp parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in a pot of salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Keep some of the pasta water for the sauce then drain the pasta and cover to keep warm.
- Coat the shrimp with 1 Tbsp of the cajun seasoning. In a deep skillet, heat 1 Tbsp oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and saute for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp is no longer translucent, remove from skillet and cover to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 Tbsp butter with the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add in the diced tomatoes and saute for about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream, remaining 1 Tbsp cajun seasoning and grated parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer then reduce to medium/low heat and continue 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Add the shrimp and pasta back into the skillet and stir until the noodles are coated in sauce and everything is heated through. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce. To serve, garnish with more parmesan and chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amount based on brand saltiness, starting with half and adding more to taste.
- Substitute penne with other pasta types such as rigatoni, ziti, or elbow pasta as preferred.
- Incorporate vegetables like onion, bell peppers, asparagus, green beans, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 523 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 523kcal | 26% |
| Carbs | 33g | |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 32g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 289mg | 96% |
| Sodium | 745mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 303mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 2348IU | 47% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 265mg | 27% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
