The Zesty Spicy Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe You’ll Love

Culinary magic happens when blackened shrimp meets cavatappi in this mouthwatering dish that promises excitement on your plate.

Spiraled pasta curves perfectly capture every zesty seasoning and robust flavor.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore the bold spice blend coating each succulent shrimp.

Tender pasta provides a delightful canvas for the fiery protein.

Complex layers of heat and texture create an unforgettable dining experience.

Mediterranean influences shine through this quick and impressive meal.

Grab your skillet and prepare for a flavor adventure that will make your taste buds dance with pure delight.

Spicy Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi That Brings the Heat

• Perfectly spiced shrimp delivers a bold, zesty kick that transforms an ordinary pasta dish into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Enjoy the luxurious combination of rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce balanced with the fiery blackening spices, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.
• Minimize cleanup and maximize convenience with this streamlined recipe that lets you prepare the entire dish in a single pan, making weeknight cooking a breeze.

What Powers Spicy Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi

• Cavatappi Pasta: A curly, corkscrew-shaped pasta that provides a fun texture and holds sauce beautifully.
• Shrimp: Tender seafood that absorbs the bold blackening spices and creates a delicious protein base.

• Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Thyme, Salt, Black Pepper: A robust spice blend that creates a signature blackened flavor profile and adds depth to the shrimp.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: A rich and creamy combination that forms a luxurious sauce coating for the pasta and shrimp.
• Olive Oil: Helps to coat and season the shrimp before cooking.
• Garlic: Adds a fragrant and intense flavor to the sauce.
• Fresh Parsley, Lemon Wedges: Bright garnishes that provide a fresh finish and enhance the overall dish's flavor.

How to Make Spicy Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Pop

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfection

Grab a large pot and fill it with water.

Sprinkle in some salt to make the water dance.

Toss in the cavatappi and let it swim until it’s perfectly tender.

Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor journey.

Step 2: Spice Up the Shrimp

• Shrimp
• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage these ingredients into the shrimp until they’re completely coated in a vibrant, fiery embrace.

Step 3: Blacken with Passion

Fire up a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Unleash the seasoned shrimp into the pan.

Let them sizzle and transform for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous pink and become wonderfully opaque.

Rescue the shrimp and set them aside, their flavor locked and loaded.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter into liquid gold.

Introduce minced garlic and let it dance for about a minute, releasing its aromatic magic.

Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and watch the sauce thicken into a luxurious blanket of deliciousness.

Step 5: Marry the Flavors

Reunite the cooked cavatappi and blackened shrimp with the creamy sauce.

Toss everything together, ensuring each pasta curve gets a loving coating of sauce.

Let it all mingle and warm through for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Plate your masterpiece with a flourish.

Scatter fresh parsley on top and nestle lemon wedges alongside.

Each bite promises a burst of spicy, creamy, zesty excitement that’ll make taste buds cheer.

Tips That Boost Spicy Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi

• Cook cavatappi exactly at al dente to prevent mushy results and maintain perfect pasta bite.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance, allowing everyone to enjoy the dish's warmth.
• Ensure shrimp cook evenly by not overcrowding the skillet, which helps achieve that perfect blackened exterior.
• If sauce becomes too thick, gradually add a splash of pasta water to restore creamy consistency without losing flavor.
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice right before serving to brighten the entire dish and cut through the rich, creamy sauce.

Store Spicy Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi with Ease

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing cream-based sauces as they may separate.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of cream or water to restore sauce consistency. Stir gently to prevent pasta from breaking, heating until steaming hot.

What to Serve with Spicy Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, spicy flavors of the blackened shrimp and creamy sauce.
• Complement with Bright Salad: Create a refreshing arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted pine nuts to balance the dish's heat and provide a light, crisp contrast.
• Match Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread with herbs to soak up the creamy sauce and provide a crunchy texture that complements the soft pasta and tender shrimp.
• Enhance with Chilled Citrus Drink: Prepare a light citrus spritzer or lemonade with fresh mint to cool down the spiciness and refresh the palate between bites of the rich, creamy cavatappi.

Creative Styles of Spicy Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace cavatappi with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly alternative that reduces carbohydrate intake.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free version.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace shrimp with roasted cauliflower florets or marinated tofu cubes seasoned with the same blackening spices for a plant-based protein option.

FAQs

• What is blackening in cooking?

Blackening is a cooking technique where meat or seafood is coated with spices and quickly seared in a very hot skillet, creating a dark, flavorful crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

• Can I use a different type of pasta if I don't have cavatappi?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or fusilli work great as substitutes. Choose a pasta with ridges or curves that can hold the creamy sauce well.

• How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque and form a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked and might become rubbery.

• Is this dish very spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper. For a milder version, start with just a pinch of cayenne and add more to taste.

Spicy Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

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

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Description

Spicy blackened shrimp cavatappi delivers a flavor explosion of Cajun-inspired pasta perfection. Succulent shrimp dance with al dente pasta, creating a bold culinary experience that sparks excitement on your plate.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cavatappi pasta
• Salt (for boiling water)

Shrimp and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Boil a generously salted water pot, immerse cavatappi, and cook until perfectly tender at approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta thoroughly and reserve.
2. Marinate shrimp with a vibrant blend of spices including paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle olive oil and massage seasoning until shrimp are uniformly coated.
3. Sear shrimp in a scorching skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Ensure shrimp transform to a vivid pink and appear translucent. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
4. Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Introduce minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic for roughly 60 seconds. Stream heavy cream, allowing mixture to softly bubble, then incorporate Parmesan cheese until sauce thickens elegantly.
5. Reunite cooked pasta and blackened shrimp within the creamy sauce. Gently toss ingredients, ensuring complete sauce coverage. Warm the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Plate the cavatappi, artfully arranging shrimp throughout. Sprinkle chopped parsley and accompany with zesty lemon wedges for a bright, tangy finish.

Notes

• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control spice level, allowing heat-sensitive diners to enjoy the dish without overwhelming their palate.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Toast spices briefly before seasoning shrimp to enhance their depth and complexity, releasing more robust flavor profiles.
• Use whole wheat cavatappi for increased fiber and nutritional value, transforming the recipe into a more health-conscious meal option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 675
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 240 mg