Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (Printable)
Spicy cream sauce blends shrimp and bell peppers in a rich, vibrant pasta meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Seafood
01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
→ Pasta
02 - 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 - 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy
07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
→ Spices & Seasonings
09 - 1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
10 - 1/2 tsp salt
11 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
12 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
→ Pantry
14 - 2 tbsp olive oil
15 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
→ Garnish
16 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
17 - Lemon wedges
# Directions:
01 - Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain while reserving 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water for later use. Set pasta aside.
02 - Thoroughly pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Evenly coat with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned shrimp and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque throughout. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Cook onion and bell peppers for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Reduce heat to medium. Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
06 - Add Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and sauce is smooth. Incorporate reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
07 - Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The creamy sauce hugs every strand of pasta while the Cajun spices dance across your tongue in the most delightful way
- It comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like something you'd order at that fancy restaurant you save for special occasions
02 -
- Don't rinse your pasta after draining or the sauce will slide right off instead of clinging to every strand
- The sauce will thicken as it stands, so if it looks loose don't panic and keep adding cream
03 -
- Keep the shrimp tails on if you want a more elegant presentation, though removing them before cooking makes for easier eating
- Double the sauce recipe if you're serving people who really love to sop up every drop with bread