What’s Cajun Shrimp Pasta?
Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a yummy pasta dish. It’s made with shrimp cooked in Cajun spices, a creamy sauce, and pasta. It’s quick to make, taking only 30 minutes. It’s great for busy days or special meals.
Making Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Think of a pan full of pasta with Cajun shrimp. It’s creamy, with cheese and greens. This recipe is like other pasta dishes but with a spicy Cajun flavor.
Recipe for Cajun Shrimp Pasta
This recipe is simple. It has shrimp with Cajun spices, creamy tomato sauce, and penne pasta. It tastes really good.
Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe: Detailed Ingredients and Instructions
Ingredients:
- Penne Pasta: 8 ounces (about half a standard box).
- Large Shrimp: 1 pound, fresh or frozen (thawed if frozen). Make sure they are peeled and deveined.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for cooking the shrimp.
- Cajun Seasoning: 2 tablespoons, divided. Adjust to your taste preference and depending on the brand’s saltiness.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons, for making the sauce.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced finely.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1/2 cup, can be fresh or canned.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 1 and 1/2 cups, for the creamy sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated, plus extra for serving. Use freshly grated for best results.
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped, for garnish (optional).
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water.
- Cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 11-13 minutes).
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Keep it warm.
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn pink and are no longer translucent.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Cover to keep warm.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium/low. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Combine Shrimp and Pasta:
- Add the cooked shrimp and pasta to the sauce in the skillet.
- Gently stir everything together, making sure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve the Dish:
- Serve the Cajun shrimp pasta hot.
- Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
Tips:
- Adjusting Spiciness: Depending on your preference, you can add more or less Cajun seasoning.
- Cajun Seasoning: Different brands have varying levels of salt and spice, so taste and adjust accordingly.
- Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes. Using heavy whipping cream is key to a thicker, creamier sauce.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
| Steps | Ingredients | Quantity | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Penne Pasta | 8 oz | Cook pasta until al dente, drain and set aside. |
| Step 2 | Shrimp | 1 lb | Season shrimp with half the Cajun seasoning, cook in olive oil until pink, remove and set aside. |
| Step 3 | Cajun Seasoning, Olive Oil, Garlic | 2 tbsp (divided), 1 tbsp, 2 cloves | In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic, remaining Cajun seasoning, cook for 30 seconds. |
| Step 4 | Tomatoes, Heavy Whipping Cream, Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup, 1 1/2 cups, 1/2 cup | Add tomatoes, cook for 2-3 minutes. Add cream and cheese, simmer until sauce thickens. |
| Step 5 | Parsley | 2 tbsp (optional) | Combine shrimp and pasta in sauce, garnish with parsley, and serve. |
Enjoy your homemade Cajun Shrimp Pasta!
