Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta A Taste of the Bayou

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta: A Taste of the Bayou

Fancy a bit of Louisiana sunshine on your plate? This cajun shrimp pasta recipe is just the ticket! It's got a fantastic creamy sauce, a proper kick of spice, and plump, juicy shrimp.

Honestly, it's comfort food at its absolute best.

This creamy cajun shrimp pasta hails from the heart of Louisiana. This dish is proper soul food. It's surprisingly easy to make, only takes about 35 minutes, and serves four hungry people.

Why You'll Love This Cajun Shrimp Creation

The real magic lies in the taste. It's this homemade cajun shrimp pasta that combines perfectly cooked shrimp, a creamy cajun sauce, and al dente fettuccine.

Plus, shrimp is packed with protein and essential nutrients, so it's a win-win! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with your mates.

It's a dish that is incredibly comforting

Grab Your Bits and Bobs: Ingredients Time

Right then, let's gather what you'll need for this quick cajun shrimp pasta .

• For the shrimp: 1 pound (454g) large shrimp, 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, 1 tablespoon (15ml) Cajun seasoning blend, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) smoked paprika, Salt and pepper.
• For that lush sauce: 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, 1 small yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 red bell pepper, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup (60ml) all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups (360ml) chicken broth, 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, 1/4 cup (59ml) grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons (30ml) parsley.
• And, of course, 1 pound (454g) fettuccine pasta.

Oh my gosh, I'm already salivating just thinking about this spicy cajun shrimp pasta ! So, let's get cooking!

Right then, let's talk about what you'll need to make this creamy cajun shrimp pasta a reality. Don't worry, nothing too cheffy or complicated here, just your kitchen basics and a few bits and bobs.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta A Taste of the Bayou Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:4 Servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Cajun seasoning blend
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup (60ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (59ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• 1 pound (454g) fettuccine pasta

Instructions:

• Cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
• In a large skillet, sauté shrimp over medium-high heat until pink and cooked through (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove from skillet and set aside.
• Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute more. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly (about 3-5 minutes). Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the sauce. Toss to coat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:650-750

Fat:30-40g

Fiber:3-5g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Cajun

Ingredients & Equipment

So, you're ready to make a Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta ? Ace! Here's what you'll need to make this Easy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe .

Main Ingredients

Here's the shopping list for your Cajun Shrimp Pasta . It’s simple.

• Shrimp: 1 pound (454g) large shrimp. Fresh is best, but frozen (thawed, of course!) works too. Key point? Look for plump, firm shrimp that smell fresh – no fishy business, alright?
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) – any decent olive oil will do.
• Cajun Seasoning: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . You can buy a blend or make your own (recipe below).
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) .
• Smoked Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) .
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) of unsalted butter.
• Onion: 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Honestly, use a garlic press if you have one – saves ages.
• Red Bell Pepper: 1, chopped.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . Adjust this depending on how fiery you like it.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup (60ml) .
• Chicken Broth: 1 1/2 cups (360ml) . Low sodium is always a shout, so you can control the saltiness.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) . Don't skimp on this – it's what makes it a creamy Cajun shrimp pasta!
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (59ml) , grated. Freshly grated is always best!
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , chopped, for garnish.
• Fettuccine Pasta: 1 pound (454g) . You could use linguine or even penne if you're feeling adventurous.

Seasoning Notes

The cajun seasoning is where the magic happens. Don't be shy. Feel free to tweak to your taste. Some folks love a Homemade Cajun Shrimp Pasta and the kick from Cayenne.

Essential spice combinations : Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, white pepper – that's your foundation.

Flavor enhancers and aromatics : Red pepper flakes, garlic, onion – they bring the dish to life.

Quick substitution options : If you don’t have all the spices for the Cajun seasoning, use a pre-made blend. I have also tried the cajun shrimp pasta alfredo with sausage , and it turned out spectacular

Equipment Needed

Right, kit time. Nothing too fancy needed for this one-pot cajun shrimp pasta .

• Large pot for boiling pasta.
• Large skillet or sauté pan. Honestly, the bigger, the better.
• Colander.
• Mixing bowls.
• Whisk.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

Right, that's it. The boring stuff is out of the way. Now, let’s get cooking this Quick Cajun Shrimp Pasta!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta: Cooking It Just Right

Right, so you fancy making this Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe , eh? It's a belter, I promise. Let's dive into how to cook the shrimp.

Get it wrong, and they'll be like rubber bullets. No one wants that. Honestly , it's all about timing.

Prep Steps for the Perfect Shrimp

First, mise en place , yeah? Get everything ready. Shrimp peeled and deveined, Cajun seasoning at the ready. It saves a ton of time later. I cannot stress this enough. Honestly.

Plus, a quick note on safety. Don't be a numpty. Wash your hands after handling raw shrimp! No one wants a dodgy tummy.

Step-by-Step Shrimp Sautéing

1. Toss your shrimp with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a good pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Get it hot!
3. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan, or they'll steam instead of sear.
4. Cook for 2- 3 minutes per side. The best is when they're pink and opaque. That's the sweet spot.
5. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Bang! Done.

Pro Tips for Shrimp Perfection

• Don't overcook them! Seriously, they go from perfect to rubbery in seconds.
• Adjust the spice. If you like it hot, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
• You can marinate the shrimp for up to 30 minutes before cooking for extra flavour. But don't leave them in the marinade too long, or the acid will start to cook them.

And that's it. Perfectly cooked shrimp, ready for your Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta . Easy peasy, lemon squeezy! It brings the heat from New Orleans to your home.

This spicy cajun shrimp pasta version is guaranteed to be a party in your mouth, mate!.

I learned the hard way. One time, I made Cajun Shrimp And Sausage Alfredo Pasta , left the shrimp for too long in the pan while I was distracted with the kids, and…bleh! Honestly , they were like bouncy balls.

Never again! Now, I time it to the second.

Recipe Notes for the Best Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Right, so you've got the recipe for the Cajun Shrimp Pasta sorted. But before you dive in, let's chat about some key bits and bobs to make it amazing .

Honestly, these little tweaks can elevate it from "yeah, it's alright" to "Oh my gosh, this is the best Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta I've ever had".

Ace Serving Suggestions

Let's talk presentation, shall we? I reckon this spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta looks proper fancy served in a shallow bowl.

Think of it like a restaurant-style dish, you know? A sprinkle of extra parsley always helps, and maybe a cheeky lemon wedge for a bit of zing.

Fancy a side? Garlic bread is a classic for a reason. It’s perfect for soaking up that lush sauce! A crisp green salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the Cajun Shrimp Pasta Alfredo With Sausage .

As for drinks, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio works wonders.

Smashing Storage Tips

Got leftovers? No worries, this Easy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe reheats like a dream. Pop it in an airtight container and it'll happily sit in the fridge for up to three days.

Reheating is simple. Either microwave it until piping hot, or gently warm it in a pan on the hob. Just add a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

I've found that adding a few drops of olive oil works as well. Freezing isn't ideal, as the sauce can split, but in a pinch, it's better than binning it!

Cracking Variations

Want to make it a bit healthier? Why not swap out regular pasta for wholewheat? It gives a lovely nutty flavour to the Healthy Cajun Shrimp Pasta .

You can also use a lighter cream or even a bit of Greek yogurt for the sauce. You could also easily create a One-Pot Cajun Shrimp Pasta using orzo, which requires less cooking and reduces clean-up time.

For a seasonal twist, chuck in some roasted butternut squash in autumn. It adds a touch of sweetness that works surprisingly well.

Nifty Nutrition Basics

Okay, so let's be honest, this isn't exactly a health food. But it's bloomin' delicious! Roughly, you're looking at around 650-750 calories per serving.

It's a good source of protein from the shrimp, and carbs for energy. The heavy cream does bump up the fat content.

Just remember everything in moderation! This Quick Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe is perfect for a weeknight when you want something satisfying and flavorful.

Honestly, give this Homemade Cajun Shrimp Pasta a go, and don't be afraid to put your own spin on it.

Cooking should be fun, not stressful. And at the end of the day, you'll have a Cajun Shrimp And Sausage Alfredo Pasta dish that's guaranteed to impress.

You got this!