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creamy cajun shrimp pasta 470514825

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta: Quick & Easy Meal

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Experience the bold, rich flavors of Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta. This comforting dish combines succulent shrimp and a creamy Cajun sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta cook until al dente
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined tail-on for flavor
  • 2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing shrimp
  • 1 tablespoon butter for sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced adds aroma and depth
  • 1 cup heavy cream luxurious sauce
  • ½ cup chicken broth or pasta water for sauce moisture
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated for creaminess
  • ½ teaspoon paprika optional, for color
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, or lemon juice for garnish

Method
 

  1. Boil water and cook 8 oz of fettuccine or penne until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Combine 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning in a bowl, ensuring each shrimp is well-coated.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté 4 cloves of minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant and slightly golden.
  5. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). Let the mixture bubble gently for 2-3 minutes until creamy and slightly thickened.
  6. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and ½ teaspoon of paprika (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste, allowing the sauce to thicken further.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently coat the noodles in the creamy sauce. Fold the shrimp back in, warming everything through.
  8. Serve hot, optionally top with chopped parsley, a sprinkle of extra cheese, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh finish.

Nutrition

Calories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g

Notes

For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce before serving; it enhances the Cajun flavors wonderfully.