If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and irresistibly creamy texture, you’ve come to the right place. This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe combines perfectly seasoned shrimp with a luscious, cheesy sauce that clings lovingly to every bite of tender penne pasta. It’s a quick yet impressive meal that somehow feels like a luxe restaurant dish but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Whether you’re cooking for friends or treating yourself, this recipe hits all the right notes of spice, creaminess, and freshness that keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great dish starts with ingredients that shine individually and harmonize beautifully together. For this recipe, simple pantry staples and fresh shrimp come together to create layers of flavor and pleasing textures. Each component plays its part in making the sauce creamy, the shrimp perfectly spicy, and the pasta irresistibly coated.
- 8 oz penne pasta: A sturdy noodle that holds sauce well and offers a satisfying bite.
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein, delivering juiciness and a bit of natural sweetness.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: For sautéing shrimp, adding a subtle fruity undertone.
- 2 Tbsp cajun seasoning (divided): Brings the bold, smoky heat essential to the dish’s identity.
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky sauce base.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes: Provides subtle acidity and freshness that balances creamy elements.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream: The heart of the luscious, velvety sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more to serve): Delivers a savory umami punch and creamy texture.
- 2 Tbsp parsley to garnish (optional): A pop of color and light herbal note to finish.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta perfectly
Start by boiling your penne pasta in salted water until it’s just al dente—meaning tender but still with a bit of a bite to complement the creamy sauce. Don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water before draining. That starchy water is liquid gold for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later, helping it cling perfectly to each noodle.
Step 2: Sauté the shrimp with Cajun flair
Coat the shrimp evenly with half of your Cajun seasoning, ensuring every bite has that signature smoky heat. Heat the olive oil in a skillet until shimmering, then sear the shrimp in a single layer for about 1 to 2 minutes per side. You want them just cooked through and nicely pink but still tender. Remove them from the skillet and keep warm while you build the sauce.
Step 3: Build the fragrant tomato-garlic base
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic, stirring briefly until it becomes fragrant—this quick step releases so much flavor. Toss in the diced tomatoes and sauté for a few minutes to soften and meld their acidity into the mix. This creates a bright backbone that elevates the creaminess to another level.
Step 4: Simmer the creamy Cajun sauce
Pour in the heavy whipping cream, sprinkle in the remaining Cajun seasoning, and stir in the parmesan cheese. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the sauce thicken for a few minutes as the cheese melts and spices infuse, transforming into a decadent, velvety coating for your pasta and shrimp.
Step 5: Combine and finish with flair
Add the cooked shrimp and pasta back into the skillet, tossing everything together so each penne gets luxuriously coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it just right. Serve immediately with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley to brighten the dish.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing isn’t just about looks; it adds fresh flavors and texture contrast. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top for extra richness, and a handful of chopped parsley brightens the whole dish with its herbaceous notes. A tiny drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also lift the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with crisp, light sides creates a balanced meal. A simple green salad with vinaigrette or steamed asparagus with garlic fits perfectly. For something heartier, buttery garlic bread or a crusty baguette are dreamy for mopping up that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta in shallow bowls with a final flourish of chili flakes or freshly cracked black pepper for a little extra kick. You can also plate the pasta and shrimp neatly twirled with a fork, topped with microgreens or edible flowers for a stunning visual punch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken slightly upon chilling, but gently reheating with a splash of cream or milk restores its original silkiness with ease.
Freezing
While this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Transfer into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain the shrimp’s texture and creamy sauce quality.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid separation. Adding a splash of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water will bring the sauce back to its perfect silky consistency. Avoid microwaving for best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, other sturdy pastas like rigatoni, fettuccine, or even farfalle work wonderfully. Just make sure the pasta can carry the creamy Cajun sauce well.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
The spice level can vary depending on your Cajun seasoning brand. This recipe balances heat with creamy richness, but you can adjust the amount of seasoning to make it milder or bolder, based on your preference.
Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?
Heavy cream is key for the luxuriously creamy sauce, but if you want a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk can be used. Keep in mind the sauce may be less thick and rich, so reduce the liquid slightly and watch the cooking time.
Is it okay to use frozen shrimp?
You can use frozen shrimp; just be sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps the shrimp sear properly and prevents them from steaming in the skillet.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. The flavor profile will shift slightly, but it still can deliver a creamy, satisfying result with that signature Cajun kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe that makes it feel like a celebration on a plate. Easy enough for a busy weeknight but indulgent enough for guests, it’s become a go-to favorite you’ll want on repeat. I can’t wait for you to dig in, share it with loved ones, and make it your own. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish combining perfectly cooked penne pasta with spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp in a rich garlic tomato cream sauce. Ready in just about 25 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight meal that balances bold spices with comforting creaminess, garnished with parmesan and parsley for an extra touch of freshness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided, or adjusted to taste)
Sauce
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Garnish
- 2 Tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining. Cover the pasta to keep it warm.
- Season and Sauté the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sauté for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn opaque and are cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and cover to keep warm.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in diced tomatoes and sauté for 2–3 minutes to develop flavor.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in heavy whipping cream, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and grated parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Finish: Return the shrimp and pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Heat through briefly.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta and garnish with additional parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level and the brand’s intensity.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add brightness and color.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure shrimp is cooked just until opaque to avoid toughness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
