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Flavorful Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe Easy Cream Sauce Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy Cajun shrimp pasta with a creamy sauce that balances bold spices and tender shrimp for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 12 ounces (340g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (red or green)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper)
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
  • ¾ cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340g) of fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup (120ml) of pasta water before draining, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, toss 1 pound (450g) peeled and deveined shrimp with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Once melted, add 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 small finely chopped yellow onion, and 1 diced bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes over medium heat until softened and fragrant.
  5. Pour in ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth and 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Let cook for 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Stir in ¾ cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until well combined and heated through.
  7. Remove from heat, squeeze 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice over the top, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid toughness. Toast Cajun spices on shrimp before cooking for more flavor. Use fresh garlic and onion for best taste. Simmer sauce gently to prevent curdling. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for smooth melting. Butter and olive oil combo adds richness. For lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Add extra cayenne for more heat if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, Cajun seasoning, seafood pasta, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/flavorful-cajun-shrimp-pasta-recipe-easy-cream-sauce-dinner-idea/