Description
Spicy Cajun shrimp pasta brings Louisiana’s bold flavors to your dinner table with zesty seasonings and creamy sauce. Creamy noodles wrapped with succulent shrimp promise a quick and satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Cajun Seasoning:
- 4 tablespoons Cajun spice mix
- 3 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Proteins and Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) shrimp, thawed, peeled, and deveined
- 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) penne or preferred pasta
Sauce and Additional Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) butter (unsalted or salted)
- 1 12 cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 (14-ounce) (396 grams) can diced or crushed tomatoes
- 12 cup (120 grams) grated Parmesan-style cheese (non-animal rennet, divided)
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (split into two portions)
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare pasta in generously salted water at rolling boil, cooking until perfectly tender. Extract one cup of starchy liquid before draining, which can rescue sauce consistency later.
- Generously coat raw shrimp with half the Cajun seasoning blend, ensuring each morsel receives robust flavor coverage.
- Warm olive oil in spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Position seasoned shrimp in single layer, searing approximately 1-2 minutes per side until achieving vibrant pink hue and translucent texture. Transfer immediately to warm holding area.
- Utilize identical skillet without cleansing to preserve concentrated seafood essence. Melt butter gently, introducing minced garlic and remaining spice mixture. Sauté until aromatic notes emerge.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes, allowing them to soften and release natural juices for approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce flame to low setting, gradually integrating heavy cream. Permit sauce to simmer delicately, thickening progressively.
- Introduce cooked pasta, seared shrimp, and half the grated Parmesan into sauce. Toss meticulously, ensuring complete ingredient integration and uniform temperature.
- Finish dish by scattering fresh parsley and remaining cheese. Serve immediately while temperature and flavor remain optimal.
Notes
- Customize Spice Level by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit personal heat preferences, making the dish mild or fiery hot.
- Swap Protein easily by replacing shrimp with chicken, sausage, or tofu for dietary variations or protein alternatives.
- Boost Nutrition by adding extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to increase fiber and vitamin content without compromising flavor.
- Create Gluten-Free Version by using alternative pasta made from chickpea, rice, or quinoa flour, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg