Go Back
–+ servings
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful dish ready in under 30 minutes that combines buttery cajun shrimp with creamy sauce and pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 6 servings
Calories 523 kcal

Equipment

  • pot
  • skillet

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Shrimp

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon cajun seasoning divided or added to taste depending on brand used
  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese plus more to serve
  • 2 tablespoon parsley to garnish, optional

Instructions
 

Cooking 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 tablespoon of the cajun seasoning. In a deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon 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 tablespoon 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 tablespoon 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. You can substitute the penne for any other pasta or add vegetables like onion, bell peppers, asparagus, green beans, or even sauteed mushrooms.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 523kcal
Keyword Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, creamy pasta, Easy Dinner, Italian cuisine, quick pasta, shrimp pasta
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!