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- 12 oz linguine or fettuccine - 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for cooking - Mixing bowl for seasoning shrimp - Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring - Knife and cutting board for chopping - Spinach or kale for extra greens - Sliced mushrooms for added texture - Lemon juice for a fresh zing - Extra Cajun seasoning for more heat Gather all these ingredients and tools before you start cooking. This will make your time in the kitchen smooth and fun! Each item plays a key role in building the rich flavors of this Cajun shrimp pasta. Feel free to get creative with the optional add-ins to make the dish your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water. Once it's boiling, add 12 oz of linguine or fettuccine. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, take 1 lb of raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. Place the shrimp in a large bowl. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over the shrimp. Toss the shrimp well to coat them evenly. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Make sure not to overcook the shrimp. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet where you cooked the shrimp, add diced onion and bell pepper. You can use either a red or yellow bell pepper. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they soften. Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute. You will smell a nice aroma! Now, add 1 cup of diced tomatoes, either canned or fresh, and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes. Lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer, cooking for about 2 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything until the pasta and shrimp are well-coated with the creamy Cajun sauce. The flavors should blend nicely. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cajun Shrimp Pasta! To cook shrimp well, focus on timing. Cook them for just 2-3 minutes per side. They should turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become tough. If you follow the time closely, you get tender shrimp with great flavor. Use fresh or thawed shrimp for best results. Always peel and devein them for a clean taste. To thicken the sauce, start by simmering it longer. After adding the heavy cream, let it cook gently. This helps the sauce reduce and thicken. Another tip is to stir in more grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese adds richness and helps bind the sauce. If you need a quick fix, use a cornstarch slurry. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water, then stir it in. Serve the Cajun shrimp pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley. A sprinkle of extra cheese adds a nice touch. Pair it with a side salad for balance. Garlic bread complements the dish well too. For a twist, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. This brightens the flavors and enhances the meal. Enjoy your great tasting dinner! Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will elevate the flavor of your dish. If possible, choose shrimp that is sustainably sourced and wild-caught for the best taste. Adjust Cajun Spice: Cajun seasoning can vary in heat. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preference, especially if you're serving guests with different spice tolerances. Perfect Pasta: To ensure your pasta is perfectly cooked, aim for al dente. It will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy. Garnish for Freshness: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a burst of freshness. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for an extra zing! {{image_2}} You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping shrimp for veggies. Use mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Toss them in Cajun seasoning for flavor. You can also add chickpeas for protein. This keeps the dish hearty and satisfying. Cook the veggies until tender, then follow the rest of the steps. It’s a great way to enjoy Cajun flavors without meat. Want more heat? Add more Cajun seasoning. You can also mix in red pepper flakes. A dash of hot sauce can elevate the spice. Cook the shrimp with extra seasoning to ensure every bite has a kick. If you like it really spicy, try adding jalapeños. You can adjust the heat to your taste. To make this dish lighter, use whole wheat pasta. You can replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a low-fat cream. This change keeps the creaminess, but cuts down on calories. You can also use less cheese or a lighter cheese option. Fresh herbs can add flavor without extra calories. These swaps help you enjoy the dish while being mindful of health. To store leftover Cajun shrimp pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This keeps track of freshness. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat the pasta easily. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to heat evenly. If you prefer, you can reheat it on the stove. Just add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. If you want to freeze the pasta, do it right after cooking. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It can last up to two months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the pasta tasty and fresh. You can use half-and-half or whole milk. Both make a lighter sauce. If you want a vegan option, try coconut cream or cashew cream. These add a nice flavor without dairy. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 10-15 minutes. This way, they cook evenly and stay juicy. To adjust the spice, use less Cajun seasoning. You can also add more cream to cool it down. If you want extra heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Taste as you go to find your perfect level. In this blog post, we broke down the key steps for making delicious Cajun shrimp pasta. We covered essential ingredients, tools, and optional add-ins. You learned how to cook shrimp perfectly and make a rich cream sauce. We shared tips for serving and modifying the recipe to fit your taste. Cajun shrimp pasta is a fun dish to make and enjoy. Try it your way and impress yourself!

Cajun Shrimp Pasta Fiesta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with Cajun seasoned shrimp and colorful vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz linguine or fettuccine
  • 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 each bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook the linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning to coat evenly.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  • Lower the heat, then stir in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well mixed into the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
  • Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, tossing until everything is well coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword Cajun, creamy, dinner, pasta, shrimp