Description
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish combining succulent seared shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices, tender linguine, and a rich parmesan cream sauce enhanced with fresh herbs. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a delicious dinner ready in about 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed, patted dry
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, coarsely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, coarsely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 oz parmesan cheese, finely grated (about 1½ cups), plus more for serving
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup thinly sliced chives
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season and Sear Shrimp: Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of kosher salt. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add 2 more tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and red bell pepper for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil along with the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to combine and thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the finely grated parmesan cheese and allow it to melt into a smooth sauce. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked linguine and seared shrimp back into the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Adjust Seasoning: Stir in the chopped parsley and sliced chives. Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with additional kosher salt or Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta hot, topped with extra parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use fresh parsley and chives for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted in a pinch.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a creamier texture.
- Make sure shrimp are patted dry before seasoning to achieve a good sear.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water.
