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Close up look at bowl of cajun shrimp pasta recipe with a rich Parmesan cream sauce and topped with spicy shrimp and garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.
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Cajun Shrimp Pasta

This creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta 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!
Course Main Course, Main Dish
Cuisine American, Southern
Keyword cajun pasta, cajun shrimp pasta, cajun shrimp pasta recipe, creamy cajun shrimp pasta
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 782kcal
Author Trish - Mom On Timeout

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

Storage Information
  • 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. 

Nutrition

Calories: 782kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 239mg | Sodium: 578mg | Potassium: 489mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2110IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 378mg | Iron: 3mg
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