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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Close-up of a white bowl filled with Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bold Flavor, topped with seasoned shrimp and fresh parsley.
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Make a bold and creamy Cajun shrimp pasta dish with deep, savory flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 pound fettuccine or linguine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (use more for extra heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
  2. Season the shrimp lightly with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning.
  3. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add the minced garlic, remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer and reduce slightly for 2 minutes.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Do not boil rapidly.
  8. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  9. Add the cooked pasta and the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, one splash at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  10. Stir in the fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a spicier sauce, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.
  • Use high-quality Cajun seasoning for the best flavor depth.
  • If you prefer a richer sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with cream cheese.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycourier.com/creamy-cajun-shrimp-pasta-bold-flavor/