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!
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.
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 Facts
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Amount per Serving
Calories
523
% Daily Value*
Fat
32
g
49
%
Saturated Fat
18
g
113
%
Trans Fat
1
g
Cholesterol
289
mg
96
%
Sodium
745
mg
32
%
Potassium
303
mg
9
%
Carbohydrates
33
g
11
%
Fiber
2
g
8
%
Sugar
2
g
2
%
Protein
25
g
50
%
Vitamin A
2348
IU
47
%
Vitamin C
7
mg
8
%
Calcium
265
mg
27
%
Iron
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
