The title of this recipe alone should tell you how delicious it is! Cajun spices, shrimp, and pasta all in one dish? Yes, please.
It’s early September but we have had cooler temperatures in the deep south recently which makes me dream (and drool) for comfort food meals. Pasta has always been a comfort food for me. Add other favorite foods to the pasta…shrimp, a luscious cream sauce, and a kick of spice and it doesn’t get much better.
In the time it takes to prepare the pasta, you can have a delicious meal ready for family or friends.
In a large bowl, place the cleaned shrimp, cajun seasoning, and olive oil. Toss well to coat evenly. If you prefer making your own seasonings I’ve included the link to the one I use.
Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve a 1/2 of the cooking liquid, drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Saute the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are cooked through. Remove to a clean platter.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream. Scrape all the goodies off the bottom of the pan. This is just added flavor! Bring the cream to a low simmer. Add the cheese to the cream and stir until it is melted. This is a basic Alfredo Sauce with the added goodness of the cajun spice.
Once the cheese is melted, add the shrimp and pasta to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Season to taste with salt and pepper, if desired.
This delicious meal needs only garlic bread to soak up all the creamy sauce and a glass of wine.
CAJUN SHRIMP PASTA
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Rotini pasta or other tubular pasta of choice
- 1 pound shrimp cleaned and deveined
- 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- additional parmesan cheese for serving if desired
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions. Reserve one cup cooking liquid, drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with the cajun seasoning and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir to combine and coat well.
- In a large saute pan over medium-high heat, heat the remaining olive oil. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Saute for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked. Remove to a platter.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the heavy cream and bring to a low boil, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the goodies there.
- When the cream begins to come to a low boil, add the parmesan cheese. Stir until melted. If the sauce is too thick add some of the reserved cooking liquid, a little at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Add the shrimp and pasta. Stir to combine well. Season to taste.
Thanks for stopping by!
This looks incredible. What other recipes from your blog would you recommend?
Thanks! It really is delicious and simple to prepare. If you are looking for an inexpensive meal that feeds a crowd, I would suggest the Chicken Spaghetti. It’s a favorite among my friends and family.