Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a delicious and spicy dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with the comfort of creamy pasta.
Originating from the Southern United States, particularly Louisiana, this dish features succulent shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices, sautéed to perfection, and then tossed in a creamy sauce with bell peppers, onions, and garlic.
This hearty meal is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat and is sure to impress both family and friends. This recipe will guide you through the steps to create a mouth-watering Cajun Shrimp Pasta that brings a taste of the South to your dinner table.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Shrimp Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt, to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Preparing the Shrimp
Season the Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly with the spices.
Step 2: Cooking the Pasta
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sautéing the Shrimp
Heat Oil and Butter: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 4: Making the Cajun Cream Sauce
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
Add Cream and Seasoning: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it has melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
Step 5: Combining the Pasta and Shrimp
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Cajun cream sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Add Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to combine everything. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through.
Add Fresh Parsley: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Step 6: Serving the Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Plate the Dish: Divide the Cajun Shrimp Pasta among serving plates or bowls.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Chef’s Notes
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp work best for this recipe, but frozen shrimp can also be used. Ensure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and cooking.
Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine are ideal choices for this dish, but you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne or spaghetti.
Cajun Seasoning: Store-bought Cajun seasoning works well, but you can make your own blend using paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and black pepper.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream. However, using heavy cream gives the sauce a richer and creamier texture.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning based on your heat preference. Omit the cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder dish.
Nutrition Value
The nutritional values for Cajun Shrimp Pasta can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on a 4-serving recipe):
- Calories: 600-650 kcal
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 35-40g
- Saturated Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-55g
- Fiber: 3-5g
- Sugars: 4-6g
- Cholesterol: 250-300mg
- Sodium: 1200-1400mg
- Vitamin A: 30-35% DV
- Vitamin C: 50-60% DV
- Calcium: 20-25% DV
- Iron: 20-25% DV
Conclusion
Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Cajun cuisine to your table. The combination of spicy, succulent shrimp, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce makes it a perfect choice for any occasion.
This recipe is easy to follow and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences, whether you like it extra spicy or prefer a milder flavor.
Serve this dish with a side of crusty bread and a fresh green salad for a complete and delicious meal. Enjoy the bold flavors of Cajun Shrimp Pasta and happy cooking!
Thanks for visiting Shrimps Recipes