Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

This recipe brings the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine to a comforting pasta dish. Shrimp are cooked to juicy perfection and tossed in a creamy sauce bursting with Cajun spice.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces pasta of your choice (penne, fettuccine, or linguine work well)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste depending on spice level)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Cooking Guide:

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions for al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Season the shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Cook the shrimp: Heat the remaining olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
4. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the garlic, thyme, and paprika. Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning and diced tomatoes (if using). Cook for another minute.
5. Add cream and cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out.
6. Combine and serve: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back to the pan. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish and serve: Serve the Cajun Shrimp Pasta immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley (optional).

Tips:

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them or they will become tough and rubbery.
• Adjust the spice level: The amount of Cajun seasoning is a suggestion. You can adjust it to your preference.
• Make it a complete meal: Serve the Cajun Shrimp Pasta with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad for a balanced meal.
• Use leftover cooked chicken: For a twist on this recipe, you can substitute cooked chicken for the shrimp.
• Deglaze the pan: If there are browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan after cooking the shrimp, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or chicken broth before making the sauce. This will help loosen up the browned bits and add extra flavor to the sauce.