Easy Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinner
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta combines perfectly cooked penne with succulent shrimp in a rich, spicy Cajun cream sauce. Accented with garlic, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is both comforting and flavorful, making it a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Servings 6
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese plus more to serve
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoon parsley to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by cooking the penne pasta in a pot of generously salted water until it’s perfectly al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve a cup of the pasta water for the sauce, then drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm.
- Season the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn opaque and beautifully golden. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and cover to keep warm.
- Using the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss in the diced tomatoes and sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
- Pour in the heavy cream, the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Return the shrimp and pasta to the skillet, tossing them in the creamy Cajun sauce until the pasta is fully coated and everything is heated through.
- If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- For the finishing touch, garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Variations to Try:
- Pasta: Switch out the penne for other shapes like rigatoni, ziti, mostaccioli, or even elbow pasta for a fun twist.
- Vegetables: Add a pop of color and flavor with vegetables like onions, bell peppers, asparagus, green beans, or sautéed mushrooms. Customize it to your liking!