If you are looking for creamy, saucy seafood pasta dish with bold flavors, you sure are in for one major treat. After our NOLA visit in the past, we are super fans of Creole and Cajun foods. We have some great seafood recipes from New Orleans. Shrimp Recipes like Pastalya, Cajun Shrimp Scampi and New Orleans BBQ Shrimp are some of the real flavor benders on GypsyPlate. Today’s Cajun Shrimp Pasta sure fits into that category, and hits the right spot if you are looking for something decadently creamy delicious, loaded with BOMB Cajun flavors. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply want a super delish dinner, this recipe is a surefire way to bring the flavors of Southern comfort food right to your table.
We Love to Cook this Creamy Pasta Again and Again For
Delicious Flavors: The combination of spicy Cajun seasoning with shrimp in a creamy sauce is super tasty. Creamy Texture: The sauce, with cream and Parmesan cheese, adds creaminess to the pasta. Visual Appeal: It’s a very good looking dish, making it ideal as a company meal. Versatility: This recipe can be easily adapted to suit different palates. You can adjust the level of spice, substitute different types of pasta, or even add other seafood or vegetables. Simplicity: Despite its sophisticated flavors, this recipe is super easy to prepare.
Ingredient Notes
For a complete list, along with exact measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post. Here are the main things you’re going to need to make Cajun shrimp pasta:
Shrimp: We like big plump shrimp here, preferably wild caught. We love to keep tails on, but that’s to your taste. Olive Oil: For sautéing the shrimp. Creole/Cajun Seasoning: This is the star of the dish, providing a spicy and robust flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste preference. Our Homemade Creole Seasoning is the best, without all the extra salt found in store-bought varieties. Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps in sautéing the vegetables. Onion, Red and Green Bell Peppers: These veggies add sweetness and texture to the dish, as well as vibrant color. Garlic: Great aromatic. Red Chili Flakes: Add these for an extra kick. Adjust according to how spicy you like your food. Tomato Paste: It adds depth and a slight tanginess to the sauce. Dry White Wine: This deglazes the pan and adds a sophisticated flavor. You can substitute with more broth if preferred. Chicken Broth: It forms the base of the sauce, adding more flavor than water would. Heavy Cream: Provides the creamy texture of the sauce. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half. Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated. Basil and Parsley: Fresh herbs bring a burst of freshness. If you don’t have fresh, use one third as much dried. Salt: Since the Cajun seasoning already contains salt, adjust the added salt to taste. Pasta: Penne is what we used, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot. Add 2 tsp salt and the pasta. Cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Season shrimp with Creole/Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook shrimp until pink, about 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Cajun Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onions, red and green peppers. Cook until they start to soften, around 5 minutes. Add garlic, Creole seasoning, and red chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, cook for a couple of minutes. Add white wine, cook for 2 minutes. Then, add chicken broth and simmer for 5 minutes. Lower the heat, add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, basil, and parsley. Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with salt to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked shrimp to the sauce, warming them up for a minute. Mix in the cooked pasta, ensuring it’s well coated in the Cajun sauce. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Alpana’s Tips
Quality of Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality shrimp. Fresh, wild caught shrimp especially makes a significant difference in flavor and texture. Shrimp Preparation: Don’t overcook the shrimp, as they can quickly become rubbery. Cook just until they turn pink and are opaque. Spice to Your Liking: Adjust the Cajun or Creole seasoning according to your heat preference. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less and add more as needed. Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a little extra chicken broth or pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken. Al Dente Pasta: Cook your pasta to al dente (firm to the bite) as it will continue to cook in the sauce. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining your pasta, reserve a cup of the pasta water. It’s great for adjusting the sauce consistency if needed. Fresh Herbs: Use fresh basil and parsley for the best flavor. Cheese Quality: Grate your own Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of your sauce.
What to Serve with Creamy Cajun Pasta
This pasta dish is fully loaded with protein, starches and veggies. That being said, sides are always good! Here are some nice pairings: Veggie Side Dishes: Cajun Maque Choux, Grilled Zucchini, Roasted Broccoli or Fried Green Tomatoes. Salads: Caesar Salad, Wedge Salad or Cucumber Tomato Salad. Breads: No Knead Artisan Bread or Bacon Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread.
Leftovers and Storage
Leftover Cajun Shrimp Pasta refrigerates great in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Simply reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a few tablespoons of water, or in the microwave. We don’t recommend freezing it, due to the cream. Make this amazing pasta dish for your friends and family, and enjoy the essence of Cajun cuisine in your own kitchen. Tell us how these wonderful meals turn out, and spread the love. Be sure to follow us on social media like Pinterest and Facebook to always stay in the loop!
Cajun Shrimp Pasta, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!
More great pasta dishes to try:TikTok SpaghettiLouisiana Chicken PastaOrecchiette with SausageEspagueti VerdeAmerican Chop SueyPasta alla NorcinaRasta Pasta
