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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Boil a generously salted water pot, immerse cavatappi, and cook until perfectly tender at approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta thoroughly and reserve.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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