I decided to give my usual shrimp pasta a spicy twist, and that’s how this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta was born. The combination of bold Cajun seasoning, juicy shrimp, and a rich, creamy sauce makes this dish an absolute delight.

It’s the perfect balance of heat and creaminess, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet easy enough to make on a busy night. I’m sharing this recipe because it’s one of my favorite ways to enjoy pasta with a bold and flavorful kick.

I really love how the smoky Cajun spices coat the shrimp and blend into the sauce, giving every bite a warm, slightly spicy depth. The creamy Parmesan sauce mellows out the heat just enough while keeping the dish rich and satisfying.

The best part? This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or a fancy meal without the hassle. Whether you’re serving this for family, guests, or just treating yourself, this pasta will never disappoint.

What is Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta?

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a rich and flavorful pasta dish made with shrimp, Cajun seasoning, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy sauce. The Cajun spices add a smoky, slightly spicy kick, while the creamy sauce balances out the heat, creating a well-rounded and indulgent dish.

This pasta is inspired by the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine, known for its deep, rustic, and slightly spicy taste.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)
• ½ lemon, juiced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

• Large skillet
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Whisk
• Grater (for fresh Parmesan)

How to make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Step 1

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.

Step 4

Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 5

Make it Creamy: Lower the heat to medium, add heavy cream, and stir well. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 6

Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together until fully coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.

Step 7

Final Touches: Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Tips to Make This Perfect:

• Use fresh shrimp – Fresh shrimp gives the best flavor, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw and pat dry before cooking.
• Season the shrimp well – Coat the shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning before cooking for a deep, smoky taste.
• Cook the shrimp quickly – Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so cook them for only 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
• Use high-quality Cajun seasoning – A blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne gives the best depth of flavor.
• Add a little pasta water – This helps the sauce stick to the pasta and adds extra creaminess.
• Don’t overcook the pasta – Keep it al dente, as it will cook a little more when combined with the sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly into the sauce.
• Balance the heat – If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper.
• Let the sauce thicken – Simmer the sauce for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta?

I like to serve this pasta with warm garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. The crispy texture of the bread pairs perfectly with the rich, velvety pasta, making every bite even better.

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balances out the richness of the sauce. The acidity from a balsamic or lemon dressing enhances the flavors and creates a well-rounded meal.

For a heartier meal, I recommend serving this pasta with roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. Their natural sweetness complements the spiciness of the Cajun shrimp and adds extra nutrition to the dish.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

Avoid freezing, as the creamy sauce may separate and change texture when thawed. If you must freeze it, store the shrimp separately from the pasta and reheat them together just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta? – Yes! Penne, fettuccine, or linguine all work well with this creamy sauce.

Can I make this dish dairy-free? – Use coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

What can I use instead of shrimp? – Chicken, scallops, or even mushrooms make great substitutes.

How do I make it spicier? – Add extra cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time? – It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately, then combine before serving.

Can I add vegetables? – Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms add extra flavor and texture.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp? – Yes, but add them to the sauce at the end and cook just until warmed through.

How do I prevent the shrimp from getting rubbery? – Cook them quickly over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.

What type of Cajun seasoning should I use? – Look for a blend with paprika, garlic, onion, cayenne, thyme, and oregano, or make your own for better control over the spice level.

Conclusion

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal that’s easy to make and packed with bold taste. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want a satisfying dinner, this dish delivers every time.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Recipe by Food by AyakaCourse: MainCuisine: Cajun, AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

600

kcal

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a spicy and creamy dish with juicy shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and a rich Parmesan sauce. It’s easy to make and full of bold flavors!

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine)

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken broth

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)

• ½ lemon, juiced

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

• Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
• Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
• Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
• Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Make it Creamy: Lower the heat to medium, add heavy cream, and stir well. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
• Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together until fully coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
• Final Touches: Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!