Easy Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Easy Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

This recipe is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal that combines juicy shrimp with a creamy, kickin’ Cajun sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces pasta (penne, linguine, or your favorite)
• 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 doneness. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the shrimp: While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Whisk in the roux: Stir in the Cajun seasoning and flour. Cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
5. Finish the dish: Add the Parmesan cheese, reserved pasta water (if needed to thin the sauce), and salt and pepper to taste. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
6. Serve: Drain the pasta and toss it with the creamy Cajun shrimp sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips:

• Adjust the spice level: This recipe uses store-bought Cajun seasoning, but you can adjust the amount to your preference. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can substitute with a combination of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook them or they will become tough and rubbery.
• Make it a complete meal: Serve this creamy Cajun shrimp pasta with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Add protein: For an extra protein boost, you can add sliced andouille sausage or cooked chicken to the dish along with the shrimp.
• Use different types of pasta: This recipe is versatile and can be made with any type of pasta you like. Penne, linguine, fettuccine, or even spaghetti would all work well.
• Leftovers: This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the shrimp may become slightly rubbery upon reheating.