Description
Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a quick and creamy dish with a spicy kick, perfect for weeknights when you want a fancy meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (Fettuccine or penne recommended)
For the Cajun Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (Choose raw shrimp for best results)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (Homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (Half and half can be substituted)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (Freshly grated preferred)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (Freshly squeezed)
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil your pasta in salted water until just done. Save about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Toss shrimp with a little Cajun seasoning.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, melt butter with a splash of olive oil. Sear shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side, then remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds, then pour in heavy cream and let it gently bubble.
- Stir in Parmesan until smooth. Add more Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if too thick.
- Add shrimp back in for the final minute, then finish with lemon juice.
Notes
For added freshness, serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American, Cajun