If you’re craving a meal that bursts with bold flavors and creamy indulgence, this Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need to brighten up your dinner table. Perfectly seasoned shrimp tossed in a velvety parmesan and fire-roasted tomato sauce, served over tender linguine, makes for a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or impressing friends, this recipe delivers the kind of delicious satisfaction that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential because each one brings a special touch to this Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe. From the spicy seasoning that wakes up the shrimp to the creamy, cheesy sauce that ties everything together, every element is a key player in creating a flawless dish.
- 16 ounces linguine pasta: The perfect pasta to hold onto all that luscious sauce without overpowering the shrimp.
- 1 pound medium peeled and deveined shrimp: The star protein, tender and quick to cook.
- 2 tablespoons old bay seasoning: Adds that signature, savory Cajun flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: A gentle kick of smoky heat that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a deep, smoky richness essential for authentic Cajun flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper: Brings a subtle but lively spice to the palette without overwhelming.
- 1/4 cup salted butter (½ stick): Creates a rich base for cooking the shrimp and building the sauce.
- 2 cups heavy cream: The secret to a silky sauce that clings to pasta and shrimp alike.
- 1 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that melts perfectly into the cream.
- 1 can fire roasted tomatoes (14.5 ounces): Introduces a smoky, slightly sweet tomato note for depth and color.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start with cooking your linguine according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This ensures the pasta has a perfect, firm bite that will soak up the sauce without getting mushy. Once cooked, set it aside but don’t let it clump together — a light drizzle of oil or a quick toss to separate the strands helps.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat your shrimp dry with a paper towel to ensure they sear nicely. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear, so this step makes all the difference for that delicious texture.
Step 3: Season the Shrimp
In a large bowl or a resealable bag, toss the shrimp thoroughly with old bay seasoning, chili powder, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper. This spice blend is what infuses the shrimp with that unmistakable Cajun heat and flavor, so be generous and make sure each shrimp is coated well.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Melt butter in a large skillet over low heat, then crank it up to medium and add your shrimp. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and slightly charred on the edges. This step seals in the juices and delivers that perfect, slightly crispy bite. Once done, set the shrimp aside.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
Keeping the skillet on medium, pour in the heavy cream and scrape the bottom of the pan with a spatula to lift all those flavorful browned bits left from the shrimp. Let the cream simmer gently for 1-2 minutes until it starts bubbling softly. This is where the magic of flavor intensifies.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Tomatoes
Turn off the heat before adding the parmesan cheese little by little, stirring constantly until it melts into a smooth, velvety sauce. Then introduce the fire roasted tomatoes, warming the sauce back on medium-low heat so the tomatoes blend perfectly without losing their smoky essence.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Shrimp
Finally, toss the cooked linguine and reserved shrimp into the skillet with the sauce. Mix gently but thoroughly to ensure every strand of pasta is coated and every shrimp is nestled amid that creamy, spicy goodness. Now your Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe is ready for the table!
How to Serve Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a handful of sliced green onions on top brightens the dish both in flavor and presentation. A twist of lemon zest or a light shower of extra parmesan can elevate it even more, giving that fresh pop to balance out the richness.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, serve this pasta alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to contrast the creaminess. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the sauce. For some extra veggies, steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts work beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, plate the pasta in individual bowls and top with a whole grilled shrimp and a lemon wedge. Or serve it over a bed of sautéed spinach for added color and a nutritional boost. You can also sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes for texture and extra heat control.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners when time is tight.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to do so without the shrimp if you want to preserve texture perfectly. Freeze just the pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and add freshly cooked shrimp to reheat for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery and the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps maintain the right texture and allows the spices to stick well.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
You can try half-and-half or coconut milk as alternatives, but keep in mind the sauce may be less creamy and rich. Adding a bit of flour or cornstarch can help thicken the sauce if you go this route.
How spicy is this Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
The spice level is moderate with a gentle heat from the chili powder and crushed red pepper, but it can easily be adjusted to your taste by reducing or increasing the amount of crushed red pepper.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the linguine for a gluten-free pasta variety. The sauce and shrimp are naturally gluten-free, so no need to modify anything else.
What wine pairs well with Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully, as the bright acidity cuts through the creamy richness and complements the Cajun spices.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals for when I want something comforting yet packed with a little kick. It’s surprisingly simple to pull together but feels like a special treat every time. Give it a try—you might find yourself making it a regular on your menu too!
Print
Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish combining perfectly seasoned shrimp with a rich parmesan cream sauce and fire roasted tomatoes, served over linguine pasta. It’s a quick and satisfying meal ideal for seafood lovers craving a spicy, comforting pasta dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounces linguine pasta
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound medium peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 tablespoons old bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Sauce
- 1/4 cup salted butter (½ stick)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 can fire roasted tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the linguine pasta according to the manufacturer’s directions until al dente. Drain and set aside for later use.
- Pat Shrimp Dry: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp on a large plate and pat both sides dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture for better seasoning adherence and searing.
- Season Shrimp: Toss the shrimp in a large mixing bowl or a Ziploc bag with old bay seasoning, chili powder, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper until evenly coated with the spices.
- Melt Butter: Heat a large skillet over low heat and melt the salted butter, preparing it for cooking the shrimp and building the sauce base.
- Cook Shrimp: Increase heat to medium and add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Then, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make Cream Sauce: Return to the skillet and pour in the heavy cream over medium heat. Stir frequently with a rubber spatula to scrape up any flavorful bits left from the shrimp, allowing all flavors to meld. Simmer gently on medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes until the cream is bubbly.
- Add Cheese: Turn off the heat and gradually add the shredded parmesan cheese by small handfuls, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Tomatoes: Pour in the fire roasted tomatoes and turn the heat back up to medium-low to warm the mixture through, blending the smoky tomato flavor into the cream sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Turn off the heat, add the reserved cooked linguine pasta and cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Mix thoroughly to coat everything evenly, ensuring each bite bursts with Cajun flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the crushed red pepper to your preferred spice level for more or less heat.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Fresh parsley or chopped green onions make great garnishes if you want a fresh touch.
- Serve immediately for best texture, as the pasta can absorb sauce and thicken if left too long.
