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Creamy Shrimp Cajun Pasta

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

4.67 from 12 votes
Created by Mariam Ezzeddine
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is smothered in a very flavorful creamy Cajun sauce. The shrimp is cooked to perfection with the Cajun spice and the whole dish can be put together in 30 minutes, making this meal a perfect weeknight meal!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Entree
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
servings

Ingredients

  • 8 oz thin linguini pasta
  • 1 small onion diced. about 1 cup
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1½ cup pasta water reverse from cooking pasta
  • 1 tbsp. paprika
  • ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese or 6 oz. cream cheese
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. black pepper
  • 2 tbsp. Cajun seasoning low salt
  • 1 tsp. cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil

SHRIMP

  • 2 lbs. shrimp
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • ¾ tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • 1 ½ tsp. paprika
  • 2 tbsps. Cajun seasoning low salt

Instructions

  • Cook pasta al dente, according to package directions.
  • Meanwhile, season the shrimp with some paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and low salt Cajun seasoning.
  • Pan sear the shrimp for about 5-7 minutes with olive oil until they are almost cooked through. Set aside.
  • In the same pan, sauté the onion until they are caramelized in one 1 tbsp of olive oil.
  • Add in the spices, pasta water and heavy cream.
  • Simmer on low for about 2-3 minutes and then add in the grated parmesan cheese. Give it a stir and then simmer for a couple more minutes.
  • Add in the cooked pasta and toss to coat really well with the creamy Cajun sauce.
  • Then add in the shrimp and mix everything together well. Cover and simmer for 3-4 minutes on low heat. Remove and serve!
  • You can garnish with some pepper flakes or chopped parsley before serving.

Video

Notes

  • Ideally cook the pasta al dente, so it will come out with enough bite after you simmer it in the sauce.
  • After dropping the pasta into the boiling water, stir immediately to avoid the noodles sticking.
  • Make sure to reserve some pasta water for the sauce, this helps make it more robust.
  • To save time, opt for shelled and deveined shrimp.
  • Shrimp cooks quick, so keep an eye it on when pan searing. They should turn opaque pink and form a 'C' shape.
  • Ideally opt for low salt Cajun seasoning I have bought so many brands of Cajun seasoning and could not handle most of them because they are so salty. So be sure to grab a good one.
  • If you are not a fan of heavy cream or want to reduce the fat, you can use half and half instead (half milk , half cream for the amount required).
  • Top with some red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 564kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 556mg | Potassium: 528mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 8294IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 242mg | Iron: 4mg
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