Sizzling Creamy Louisiana Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Dinner Magic

Whipping up a delightful Louisiana shrimp pasta promises an explosion of southern flavors that dance across your palate.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore this culinary adventure packed with zesty seasonings and rich, velvety textures.

Coastal ingredients blend seamlessly to create a mouthwatering dish that speaks directly to comfort food lovers.

creamy sauces intertwine with succulent shrimp, capturing the essence of bayou-inspired cooking.

Spices from Louisiana vibrant culinary tradition infuse each bite with remarkable depth and character.

Louisiana coastal charm emerges through every forkful of this irresistible pasta masterpiece.

Grab your ingredients and let’s transform an ordinary evening into an extraordinary dining experience.

Creamy Louisiana Shrimp Pasta Comfort Bowl

• Dive into a dish that blends creamy textures with bold Cajun flavors, delivering a mouthwatering experience that warms your soul.
• Create a versatile pasta that appeals to seafood lovers and those craving a zesty, satisfying dinner that brings everyone together at the table.
• Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels or swapping shrimp for chicken, making it a flexible go-to meal for different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients for Creamy Louisiana Shrimp Pasta

• Fettuccine Pasta: A classic Italian pasta that provides a perfect base for the creamy sauce and shrimp.
• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that brings a delightful protein element to the Louisiana-style pasta dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth texture for the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a silky sauce consistency.

• Cajun Seasoning: Provides a signature Louisiana-style spicy and bold flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky undertone to the creamy sauce.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Help in cooking and adding richness to the dish.
• Onions, Garlic: Classic aromatics that build a flavorful base for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a salty and nutty finish to the creamy pasta.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a light herbal note.

How to Cook Creamy Louisiana Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook fettuccine in a large pot of salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Once done, drain and set aside, ready for the flavor explosion.

Step 2: Sizzle Succulent Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cajun seasoning

Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn beautifully pink.

Remove and keep warm.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

• Smoked paprika
• Remaining Cajun seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 4: Create Dreamy Cream Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth.

Let the mixture simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes, creating a luxurious sauce that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Return shrimp to the skillet.

Stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts into a velvety sauce.

Fold in the cooked fettuccine, coating every strand with spicy, creamy goodness.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Pro Tips for Creamy Louisiana Shrimp Pasta

• Watch the color change from gray to pink, which indicates they're done. Overcooking makes shrimp tough and rubbery, so remove them from heat immediately after turning pink.
• Choose fresh, wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Look for firm, glossy shells without any strong fishy smell when purchasing.
• Adjust the spice level by controlling the amount of Cajun seasoning. Start with less and taste, then gradually add more for your preferred heat intensity.
• Keep the heat low when adding cream to avoid curdling. Stir continuously and remove from direct high heat to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid helps bind the sauce to the pasta and adds extra richness to the dish.

Storing and Reheating Louisiana Shrimp Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta and sauce together. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month, ensuring the best texture and flavor.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or cream to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore sauce consistency. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and maintain creamy texture.

Pairings That Enhance Louisiana Shrimp Pasta

• Savor Creamy Boldness with Wine Pairing: Chardonnay with buttery notes perfectly complements the rich, creamy sauce and cuts through the spicy Cajun seasoning with its balanced acidity.
• Elevate Flavor with Crisp Beer: Light wheat beer or Belgian-style ale provides a refreshing contrast to the pasta's heavy cream base and cleanses the palate between spicy shrimp bites.
• Match Spice with Zesty Cocktail: Citrus-based margarita or mojito offers a bright, tangy counterpoint to the creamy sauce and highlights the Cajun spice profile with its vibrant lime and mint undertones.
• Cool Down with Sparkling Side: Prosecco or sparkling white wine brings effervescence that cuts through the richness and provides a palate-cleansing effect against the creamy, spicy elements of the dish.

Creative Twists on Louisiana Shrimp Pasta

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, lactose-free option.
• Gluten-Free Feast: Swap fettuccine with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Veggie-Packed Version: Substitute shrimp with roasted cauliflower or white beans, adding extra vegetables like bell peppers and spinach for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Creation: Use spiralized spaghetti squash or shirataki noodles instead of traditional pasta, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, spicy flavor profile.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of spices including paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, and thyme that gives Louisiana dishes their signature bold, spicy flavor.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While fettuccine works great, you can substitute with linguine, penne, or any pasta shape you prefer without changing the recipe’s core flavor profile.

• How spicy is this dish?

The Cajun seasoning provides a mild to moderate heat level that adds flavor without overwhelming the palate. If you want less heat, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and shrimp ahead of time and store separately. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce and quickly combine with freshly cooked pasta to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Creamy Louisiana Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Louisiana Shrimp Pasta blends Gulf Coast flavors with rich, spicy cream sauce that dances across hearty noodles. Seafood enthusiasts will savor each luxurious bite of this Southern-inspired comfort dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces (8 oz) fettuccine pasta (or preferred pasta)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Fats and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook fettuccine until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Season shrimp with Cajun spices, salt, and pepper. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until shellfish turns vibrant pink and develops a golden exterior.
3. Reduce skillet heat and melt butter. Sauté diced onions until they become translucent and slightly fragrant. Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing its aromatic essence.
4. Incorporate smoked paprika, remaining Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth, allowing the mixture to simmer and gradually thicken for 3-4 minutes.
5. Return seared shrimp to the creamy sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and stir until completely melted, creating a luxurious, velvety texture. Gently fold cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring each strand is generously coated.
6. Transfer to serving dishes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added flavor. Serve immediately while the sauce remains warm and silky.

Notes

• Spice Level Control: Adjust Cajun seasoning to match personal heat tolerance, using less for mild preferences or adding hot sauce for extra kick.
• Protein Swap Flexibility: Replace shrimp with chicken, andouille sausage, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary variations.
• Creamy Sauce Texture: Simmer sauce gently to prevent separation and achieve smooth, velvety consistency without curdling.
• Quick Cooking Tip: Ensure shrimp are not overcooked by removing them immediately after turning pink to maintain tender, juicy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun/Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 630
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg