Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Pasta

Indulge in the bold, zesty flavors of Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Pasta, a restaurant-quality dish you can easily whip up at home! This irresistible recipe features tender, perfectly seasoned shrimp nestled in a luscious Cajun-spiced Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with your choice of linguine or fettuccine. A hint of garlic, rich heavy cream, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes create a harmonious balance of heat and creaminess, while fresh parsley and optional lemon wedges add a zesty finishing touch. Ready in just 35 minutes, this one-pan masterpiece is as perfect for weeknight dinners as it is for impressing guests. Treat yourself to a satisfying, flavor-packed pasta dish with this Cajun-inspired delight!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Linguine or fettuccine pasta
• 1 lb Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 4 cloves Minced garlic
• 1.5 cups Heavy cream
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 pieces Fresh lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season the shrimp evenly with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside on a plate. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Whisk in the Parmesan cheese, the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy Cajun sauce. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the shrimp is warmed through.

Step 8

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss to combine with the sauce and shrimp.

Step 9

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with optional lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1392.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3042.2

Total Fat 201.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 107.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 1359.3mg	0%
Sodium 7400.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 124.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.3g	0%
Total Sugars 5.7g
Protein 161.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1273.7mg	0%
Iron 7.1mg	0%
Potassium 1586.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.4%

Protein: 21.9%

Carbs: 16.8%