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- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh baby spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup pasta water - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) To create this creamy Cajun shrimp pasta, you need a mix of fresh ingredients and some pantry staples. Start with the pasta. I love using fettuccine or linguine for this dish because they hold the sauce well. The large shrimp bring a nice sweetness and chewiness. Next, gather your spices. Cajun seasoning adds a wonderful kick. Choose a good-quality brand or make your own blend for extra flavor. For cooking, extra virgin olive oil is perfect. It has a rich taste that complements the shrimp. For vegetables, I like to include onion, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach. The onion and garlic provide a solid base, while the tomatoes add sweetness and color. Spinach brings a fresh touch and a pop of green. For the sauce, heavy cream is key. It makes the pasta deliciously rich. Low-sodium chicken broth adds depth without being too salty. Don't forget to reserve some pasta water. It helps adjust the sauce's thickness later. Lastly, season with salt and pepper to taste. Fresh parsley adds a bright finish, and if you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. This mix of ingredients makes a quick and flavorful meal that will impress everyone at your table. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. The salt helps the pasta taste good. Once the water boils, add 8 oz of fettuccine or linguine. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When finished, drain the pasta in a colander, but keep 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water for later. Next, prepare the shrimp. Take 1 lb of large shrimp, which should be peeled and deveined. Place the shrimp in a medium bowl. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning over the shrimp. Toss them well, so each shrimp is coated evenly with the spice. This seasoning gives the shrimp a bold flavor. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. When they are done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. In that same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes. This allows the tomatoes to soften and release their juices. Now it's time to make the sauce. Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Stir well to combine the mixture. Raise the heat slightly and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps it thicken a bit. Season it with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Then, add 1 cup of fresh baby spinach and the drained pasta. Gently toss everything together to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, use some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. To get al dente pasta, start with a large pot of salted water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add your fettuccine or linguine and cook it for about 8-10 minutes. Check the pasta a minute or two before the time is up. You want it to be firm but not hard. When the pasta is ready, drain it and save half a cup of the starchy water. This water can help make your sauce creamy later. Cajun seasoning can be spicy. If you want less heat, use less seasoning. You can also mix in some paprika or garlic powder. If you love spice, feel free to add more. Adjusting the seasoning lets you control the flavor. Taste as you go to find what works best for you. If you want a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also add a bit of lemon juice for freshness. For a richer sauce, try using more cream or adding a pat of butter. Mixing in some grated cheese can also enrich the flavor. Don't be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect taste for your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente; it will continue to cook slightly after being mixed with the sauce. Shrimp Secrets: Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp, as this can cause them to steam rather than sear, affecting the flavor. Flavor Boost: Add a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce to the finished dish for an extra layer of flavor. Spinach Addition: Add the spinach towards the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant color and nutrients. {{image_4}} You can switch shrimp for chicken or sausage. Both options work well with the creamy sauce. For chicken, use boneless thighs or breasts. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. Sauté them until golden brown and cooked through. For sausage, choose a spicy or smoked variety. Slice it and cook it in the skillet before adding the veggies. This adds a new taste and keeps the dish exciting. If you want a meat-free dish, skip the shrimp. Instead, pack it with colorful veggies. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Chop them up and sauté them like you would the shrimp. This change makes the meal hearty and keeps it creamy. You can also add more spinach or even some roasted red peppers for extra flavor. Feel free to explore other seasoning blends. Instead of Cajun, try Italian herbs like basil and oregano. For a spicy twist, use a bit of curry powder or chili flakes. This adds a whole new vibe to your pasta. If you want to go Asian, mix in some soy sauce and ginger. Each style brings unique flavors and makes the dish your own. To keep your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Divide the pasta into smaller portions. This way, you can enjoy it later without losing flavor. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cool the pasta completely before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup. When it's time to eat leftovers, reheating properly is key. The best method is to use the stove. Place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Stir often until it's heated through. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just cover the dish with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid drying it out. Yes, you can freeze creamy Cajun shrimp pasta, but it's best to freeze it without the shrimp. The shrimp can become rubbery when thawed. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. It can last for about three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove, adding fresh shrimp if desired. You can use several ingredients instead of heavy cream. For a lighter option, try half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of butter. Coconut milk also works well for a dairy-free choice, giving a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness. You can even blend silken tofu with a bit of water to make a thick, creamy alternative. Each of these substitutes keeps the dish rich and tasty. To make creamy Cajun shrimp pasta gluten-free, simply swap the regular pasta for gluten-free options. Look for brands that offer gluten-free fettuccine or linguine made from rice, quinoa, or lentils. Cooking times may vary, so check the package instructions for the best results. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without the gluten. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and shrimp, then store them separately from the sauce. When you're ready to eat, reheat the sauce and combine everything in a skillet. This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy. You can also store portions in airtight containers for quick meals during the week. You can add many veggies to enhance the dish. Bell peppers add sweetness and crunch, while zucchini or mushrooms bring great texture. Broccoli or asparagus can add a nice green touch. Just make sure to cook them until tender before adding to the sauce. Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables to create a unique twist on this pasta dish. This blog post showed how to make creamy Cajun shrimp pasta step by step. You learned about the key ingredients and how to cook them perfectly. I shared tips for adjusting spice levels and variations to suit your taste. Remember, cooking is fun and allows creativity. Feel free to experiment with proteins or vegetables. You can also customize the sauce. Enjoy making this dish and share it with others. Cooking brings joy, and this recipe helps create that special moment.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Delight

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring Cajun seasoned shrimp and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 2 low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander, making sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water for later.
  • Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a medium bowl. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over them and toss well to ensure each shrimp is evenly coated in the spices.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, introduce the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes, continuing to cook for an additional 2 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
  • Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine the mixture. Raise the heat slightly and allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting it thicken a bit. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the fresh spinach and the drained pasta. Gently toss everything together to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Once everything is heated through and well mixed, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and optional grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

For a spicier dish, add more Cajun seasoning.
Keyword Cajun, creamy, pasta, shrimp