Experience the perfect blend of spice and creaminess with this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe. Made with tender, succulent shrimp seasoned with bold Cajun spices, linguine coated in a velvety Parmesan sauce, and a touch of fresh parsley, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your home.
Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy Cajun shrimp pasta is ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. Whether you’re a fan of spicy pasta dishes, looking for a creamy shrimp pasta recipe, or simply searching for a new family favorite, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Pair it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for the ultimate dining experience. Perfect for seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike, this dish will leave you craving seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt, to taste
- 1 lb linguine
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Linguine
Prepare the linguine according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Return the pasta to the pot and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside. - Season the Shrimp
In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. - Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes, just until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate. - Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook until it turns lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the white wine and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Cook for about 1 minute. - Finish the Sauce
Add the reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. - Combine the Ingredients
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat evenly. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Toss everything together and adjust seasoning if needed. - Serve and Garnish
Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley for a burst of freshness. Enjoy!
Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a creamier sauce and better flavor.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they only need about 2 minutes to cook through.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Options: Swap shrimp for chicken, scallops, or even sausage.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp in advance. Reheat gently before serving.
2. What’s the best wine for this recipe?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works beautifully.
3. How can I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce feels too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or whisk in a touch more flour.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- Serve with a glass of the same dry white wine used in the recipe for a harmonious dining experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: The Cajun seasoning and creamy sauce strike the perfect balance.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Restaurant-Quality: Impress your guests with this elegant, flavorful dish.
Enjoy this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta as a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal!
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
6
servings5
minutes15
minutesIngredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt, to taste
1 lb linguine
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
¼ cup dry white wine
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- Cook the Linguine
- Prepare the linguine according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Return the pasta to the pot and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Season the Shrimp
- In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Cook the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes, just until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook until it turns lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the white wine and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Cook for about 1 minute.
- Finish the Sauce
- Add the reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Ingredients
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat evenly. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Toss everything together and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve and Garnish
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley for a burst of freshness. Enjoy!
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