Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Name: Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine or your preferred pasta; 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Authentic Global Cuisine Favorites

I absolutely adore making Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, and I can’t wait to share this indulgent recipe with you. The balance of spice and creaminess in this dish is simply heavenly. As someone who loves bold flavors, the Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of heat, while the creamy sauce wraps everything together beautifully. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, but elegant enough for entertaining guests. Trust me, once you taste this dish, it will become a staple in your kitchen!

Created by

Ottoline Reeves

Last updated on 2026-02-07T21:29:35.350Z

When I first tried making Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, I was unsure how the flavors would meld together. To my delight, the combination of succulent shrimp and a rich, spicy sauce created a dish that truly satisfied my cravings. Not just delicious, this pasta dish can be made in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time for savoring!

One key tip I discovered is to sauté the shrimp until they are just done. Overcooking can make them rubbery, but if you remove them from the heat slightly before they’re fully cooked, they will continue to cook in the sauce and stay wonderfully tender. This small detail makes a significant difference in the final dish.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Decadent creaminess balanced by spicy Cajun flavors
Quick and easy one-pot meal perfect for busy nights
Versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite veggies

Choosing the Right Pasta

When it comes to Cajun shrimp pasta, the choice of pasta can significantly affect the overall dish. Fettuccine is a great option because its flat shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully. However, you can experiment with other types like linguine or penne. Just ensure they are cooked to al dente, which should take about 8-10 minutes for fettuccine. This texture not only enhances the eating experience but also helps the pasta absorb the rich flavors of the Cajun cream sauce.

If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative, consider using rice pasta or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option. Just be mindful that cooking times and texture may vary, particularly with zucchini noodles, which require less cooking and should be added towards the end to prevent mushiness.

Understanding Cajun Seasoning

Cajun seasoning is the star here, providing that distinctive flavor profile. Its blend typically includes spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. When cooking the shrimp, I recommend using about 2 tablespoons of seasoning to ensure the flavors are impactful without overpowering. If you prefer milder heat, feel free to start with less and adjust according to your taste.

Be cautious about the salt content in your Cajun seasoning. Some store-bought mixtures can be quite salty, so it's wise to taste the shrimp after cooking and adjust the salt in the sauce accordingly. You can also make your own seasoning at home to customize the spiciness level and fresh flavors, which can also cut down the sodium content.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers of this creamy Cajun shrimp pasta, you're in luck—it stores well in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. To keep the flavors intact, consider storing the pasta and sauce separately if possible. This will prevent the pasta from becoming overly soggy and help maintain the creaminess of the sauce when reheating.

When reheating, do so slowly over low heat to prevent the cream from separating. If the sauce has thickened in the fridge, adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help return it to a silky consistency. Microwave reheating can also be done, but I recommend using short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between to ensure even heating without overheating.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for your creamy delight!

For the Pasta

12 oz fettuccine or your preferred pasta
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Enjoy your creamy Cajun delight!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfect dish!

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and Cajun seasoning, cooking until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer.

Combine Everything

Stir in the cooked pasta and shrimp. Add Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta!

Dig into your delicious dish!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or spinach to the dish. They add color and nutrition while balancing the richness of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, consider pairing your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta with a side salad. A light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette can provide a fresh contrast to the rich pasta. Additionally, some crusty bread can be perfect for sopping up any remaining creamy sauce, elevating your dining experience.

If you're in the mood for a twist, you can top the pasta with a sprinkle of crispy bacon or sautéed bell peppers to add another layer of flavor and crunch. These garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but can also introduce different textures that complement the creaminess.

Variations and Additions

This recipe is highly adaptable to fit different dietary preferences or pantry staples. Feel free to incorporate vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes, which can be added right after the garlic has sautéed in the skillet. These will not only add nutrition but also bring additional colors and flavors to the dish.

For those looking for a lighter version, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative. Just keep in mind that this may alter the richness, so you might consider adding a bit more Parmesan cheese to keep the creamy texture intact while still being mindful of calories.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your sauce isn't thickening as expected, don't worry! A simple fix is to increase the heat slightly and allow the sauce to simmer for a few more minutes. Stirring in a bit of cornstarch mixed with cold water can also help achieve that luscious consistency you're aiming for.

On the other hand, if your shrimp becomes rubbery during cooking, it may be due to overcooking. To avoid this, keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook; they will change from translucent to opaque in about 3-4 minutes. Perfectly cooked shrimp should be firm yet tender, bright pink in color, and slightly curled.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well! Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.

→ What if I don't have Cajun seasoning?

You can create your own using equal parts paprika, cayenne, onion powder, and garlic powder.

→ Can I make this meal ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead and combine them before serving.