Go Back
To make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, gather these ingredients: - 12 oz fettuccine or linguine - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, for garnish When cooking, use fresh shrimp for the best taste. You can swap the pasta for gluten-free options like rice noodles. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, mix paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder as a substitute. For creaminess, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. If you want a lighter dish, try using chicken broth only, skipping the cream. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. Fresh shrimp taste better and have a firmer texture than frozen. Fresh herbs, like parsley, brighten the dish. Fresh tomatoes add sweetness and juiciness, balancing the spice of the Cajun seasoning. When possible, always choose fresh over dried or canned. It enhances the meal and makes it feel special. To make creamy Cajun shrimp pasta, you need a few tools. Grab a large pot for cooking. Gather your ingredients and chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Measure out the shrimp and spices. This way, you will stay organized while cooking. 1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your pot over medium heat. 2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they soften. 3. Mix in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until it smells good. 4. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning on 1 pound of shrimp. Toss them to coat well. 5. Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes. They turn pink when they are done. Then, take them out and set aside. 6. Toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 2 minutes until they soften a bit. 7. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Add 12 oz of fettuccine or linguine too. Stir to cover the pasta with the broth. 8. Bring everything to a boil, then turn down the heat and cover. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. 9. Once the pasta is ready and most of the broth is gone, lower the heat. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until creamy. 10. Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and blends in. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. 11. Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the pot. Mix until everything is heated through. 12. Turn off the heat. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cooking Time: 20 minutes - Total Time: 30 minutes This dish serves 4 and comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights. Enjoy your tasty meal! To boost the flavors in your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta, try these tips: - Use fresh shrimp for the best taste. - Sauté the onion and bell pepper until they are soft. - Don't skip the Cajun seasoning; it adds a nice kick. - Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Mixing in fresh herbs like parsley at the end brings a fresh touch. It also makes the dish look vibrant. Here are some common mistakes that can ruin your dish: - Overcooking the shrimp makes them rubbery. Cook just until they turn pink. - Not stirring the pasta enough can lead to clumping. Make sure to mix well. - Adding cream too early can cause separation. Wait until the pasta is almost done. Avoid these errors, and you will have a great meal! To make your pasta even creamier, consider these tips: - Use full-fat heavy cream for the richest flavor. - Mixing in more cheese enhances both flavor and creaminess. - Stir in some pasta water before serving. This will help bind the sauce to the pasta. These small changes can elevate your dish to a new level of deliciousness. Enjoy! {{image_2}} If shrimp isn’t your thing, try chicken or tofu. Chicken thighs work well and add a rich taste. Dice the chicken into small pieces and cook it just like the shrimp. For a plant-based dish, use firm tofu. Press it to remove moisture, then cube it. Sauté the tofu until golden for added flavor. Each protein brings its own flair to the dish. You can add more veggies for color and nutrition. Spinach is a great choice. It wilts nicely and adds a fresh taste. Zucchini or mushrooms can also work. Slice them thin and toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This adds texture and makes the meal more filling. Want more heat? Increase the Cajun seasoning or add red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh jalapeños for a kick. Start with a little, then taste as you go. If you prefer it mild, cut back on the seasoning or skip it altogether. Adjusting the spice lets you control the flavor to suit your taste. After enjoying your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the pasta cool down first. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it in the next few days. It should stay fresh for about 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat your pasta, you have a couple of options. The best way is to use the stove. Put the pasta in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help with moisture. Stir often until warm. You can also microwave it. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until hot. If you want to freeze your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta, do it right after it cools. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. When frozen, it can last for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, follow the reheating instructions to warm it up. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can do this by placing them in cold water for 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein if needed. This saves time and still gives you great taste. If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half. Another choice is coconut milk, which adds a nice flavor. You could also try Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk to get a creamy texture. To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the fettuccine for gluten-free pasta. There are many brands available now that taste great. Just check the package for cooking times, as they may vary. This blog post covered all you need for a great recipe. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance flavor. You learned about storage methods and answers to common questions. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in taste. Keep experimenting with variations to suit your taste buds. Follow the tips to avoid mistakes. With practice, you’ll master this dish and impress everyone. Enjoy your cooking journey and the delicious results that follow!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta One Pot

Get ready to spice up your dinner with this Cajun Shrimp Delight Pasta! This creamy and flavorful dish is perfect for shrimp lovers and can be made in just 30 minutes. With a blend of Cajun seasoning, fresh veggies, and indulgent Parmesan cheese, it’s a meal that will impress everyone at the table. Click through to uncover the full recipe and elevate your weeknight meals with this delicious twist on pasta!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

12 oz fettuccine or linguine

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes.

    Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

      Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Add the seasoned shrimp to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside.

        Next, add the cherry tomatoes to the same pot and cook for about 2 minutes until slightly softened.

          Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the fettuccine. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook according to pasta package instructions (usually about 10-12 minutes).

            Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has absorbed, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until creamy.

              Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta, stirring until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

                Fold the cooked shrimp back into the pot and mix gently until everything is heated through.

                  Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.

                    - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in deep bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top for an appealing look.