This creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe delivers bold flavors to your dinner table in under 30 minutes! Succulent, perfectly seasoned shrimp are nestled in a rich, creamy sauce and tossed with tender pasta for a meal that’s full of flavor and ready in no time. This Cajun Pasta is comfort food with a Cajun kick!
Looking for more delicious shrimp recipes? Make sure to try these favorites: Shrimp Curry, Shrimp Nachos, Honey Walnut Shrimp and this easy Air Fryer Shrimp!
Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe is bringing the heat and the flavor! This easy and delicious pasta recipe is sure to become a new favorite with it’s spicy, succulent shrimp, decadent cream sauce and your choice of pasta. It comes together so fast, so quickly and with ingredients you likely have on hand.
Perfectly cooked shrimp are seasoned with a blend of Old Bay seasoning, chili powder, smoked paprika and crushed red pepper flakes that brings the heat to the dish. The cream sauce comes together quickly with Parmesan and fire roasted tomatoes – the perfect complement to the fiery shrimp. Tossed together with linguine, fettuccine or your favorite pasta, this creamy cajun shrimp pasta is a comfort food dish the whole family can get behind.
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and Parmesan for a meal that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
We are obsessed with easy pasta dishes and my boys have always been shrimp lovers. This Cajun Pasta combines both with enough heat to keep things interesting. As a mom, I’m loving how quick this recipe comes together – it’s a win-win for the whole family.
- Bold Flavors: The combination of Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, and fire-roasted tomatoes creates a depth of flavor that is both comforting and vibrant. Feel free to use my homemade Cajun seasoning in place of the listed spices.
- Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a decadent cream sauce that is the perfect counterpart to the spicy, Cajun shrimp. It also perfectly coats the pasta making every bite memorable.
- Easy to Make: Despite its complex flavors, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for any night of the week. This Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe calls for many pantry ingredients which is why it’s a favorite in our kitchen.
How To Make Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Made with succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta and a creamy, rich sauce, this Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your home. Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinners or impress guests at your next gathering, get ready to spice up your dinner routine with a dish that’s as flavorful as it is comforting.
Let’s take a quick look at how to make this recipe and….
As always, you can find the full printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Combine seasoning and toss shrimp in mixture. Cook shrimp in skillet with butter and olive until opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from skillet.
- Add heavy cream to the skillet and bring just to a simmer. Reduce heat and add Parmesan, stirring until smooth. Add tomatoes and heat through.
- Turn off heat and stir in pasta, mixing well to combine.
- Top with shrimp, additional Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Ingredient Swap: Swap out all the seasonings for 3 tablespoons of my homemade Cajun seasoning or a store-bought blend.
Storage Information
Cajun Pasta is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator, freezer (not optimal) or made ahead of time:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container, for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove top over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave until warmed through. Keep in mind that the shrimp will get rubbery if overcooked so heat pasta and shrimp separately.
- Freezer: While freezing is possible, it’s not recommended as it can affect the texture of the sauce and pasta.
- Make Ahead: If you’re looking to prepare ahead, consider cooking the pasta and shrimp ahead of time and assembling with the sauce just before serving.
Variations To Try
This dish is such a fun one to customize! Here are a few of our favorite variations:
- Cajun Chicken Pasta: Swap the shrimp for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cut into bite-sized pieces, season the same way as the shrimp, and cook until golden and cooked through before proceeding with the sauce. You can also check out my Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe!
- Cajun Sausage Pasta: Add sliced smoked sausage or andouille sausage for a heartier twist. Cook the sausage until nicely browned, then set aside and follow the recipe as written, stirring the sausage back in with the pasta
- Shrimp and Sausage Combo: For the best of both worlds, use both shrimp and sausage in this pasta recipe. Cook each separately for the best texture, then combine them with the pasta and sauce at the end.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach or zucchini can be sautéed and added for a boost of veggies.
- Spice Level Adjustments: Dial the heat up or down by adjusting the crushed red pepper flakes, depending on your preference.
Can I substitute the heavy cream for half and half or milk?
The heavy cream is what creates the lusciousness in this dish. That being said, in a pinch, half and half will work as will whole milk. The texture and creaminess will be affected.
How do I keep the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Shrimp get rubbery when they are overcooked. Keep a close eye on the shrimp while cooking, removing when they are opaque and pink – this generally takes about 2 to 3 minutes per side over medium heat.
Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels before using.
Trish’s Tips
- Cooking pasta just to al dente is crucial. It should be firm to the bite, which not only enhances the dish’s texture but also ensures the pasta doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- For the best flavor and sauce texture, grate your Parmesan cheese instead of buying already grated cheese.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! Keep them juicy and tender by cooking just until opaque.
More Delicious Pasta Recipes
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 16 ounces linguine pasta or fettuccine
- 16 ounces medium shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 ounces Parmesan cheese freshly shredded
- 14.5 ounces fire roasted tomatoes
Garnish
- fresh parsley
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large stock pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Cook pasta to al dente according to package instructions, drain and set aside.16 ounces linguine pasta
- While the pasta is cooking, pat shrimp dry on both sides with a paper towel.16 ounces medium shrimp
- Combine Old Bay seasoning, chili powder, smoked paprika and crushed red pepper in a shallow bowl or place in a ziploc bag. Toss shrimp in the mixture and set aside.2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Add butter and olive oil to a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat.3 tablespoons salted butter, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until shrimp are opaque. Remove shrimp and place on a plate.
- After the shrimp have cooked, set them aside on a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium low and add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir for 2 to 3 minutes until the cream just begins to bubble.2 cups heavy cream
- Turn the heat to low and stir in shredded Parmesan cheese a quarter cup at a time until all the cheese has been added and the mixture is smooth.4 ounces Parmesan cheese
- Stir in the fire roasted tomatoes and increase the heat to medium, stirring frequently until heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes.14.5 ounces fire roasted tomatoes
- Turn off heat and stir in pasta, mixing well to combine.
- Top with shrimp, additional Parmesan cheese and parsley. Serve immediately.fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese
Notes
- Refrigerator: This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove top over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave until warmed through. Keep in mind that the shrimp will get rubbery if overcooked so heat pasta and shrimp separately.
- Freezer: While freezing is possible, it’s not recommended as it can affect the texture of the sauce and pasta.
- Make Ahead: If you’re looking to prepare ahead, consider cooking the pasta and shrimp ahead of time and assembling with the sauce just before serving.
Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe? Absolutely! Just thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels before using.
Tools and Equipment (affiliate links): Wok or Large Skillet | Glass Mixing Bowls | Whisk | Tongs
Please see post above for more information, step-by-step process photos, recipe tips and frequently asked questions.
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