5.0 from 1,125 votes
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe that makes for the BEST pasta dinner that is ready in under 30 minutes! Buttery cajun shrimp in a creamy cajun sauce mixed with pasta. An easy pasta dish packed with so much flavor!
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 523 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp Cajun Seasoning divided *or added to taste depending on brand used.
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more to serve
- 2 Tbsp parsley to garnish (optional)
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.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- *Different brands of cajun seasoning have varying amounts of salt and spiciness. If your seasoning is saltier, start with half of the seasoning and add more to taste.
- Variations:
- Pasta - Substitute the penne for any other pasta such as rigatoni, ziti, mostaccioli, or elbow pasta
- Vegetables - You can add your favorite vegetable to the shrimp pasta such as onion, bell peppers, asparagus, green beans, or even sauteed mushrooms.
Nutrition Information
Calories
523kcal
(26%)
Carbs
33g
Protein
25g
(50%)
Fat
32g
(49%)
Saturated Fat
18g
(90%)
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
289mg
(96%)
Sodium
745mg
(31%)
Potassium
303mg
(9%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
2348IU
(47%)
Vitamin C
7mg
(8%)
Calcium
265mg
(27%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 523
% 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.