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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.1 from 1 review

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta combines perfectly seasoned, tender shrimp with a luscious, cheesy cream sauce and al dente linguine. A quick and flavorful dish, it features a spicy Cajun kick balanced by rich Parmesan and fresh parsley, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 lb. linguine pasta, cooked al dente

Shrimp

  • 1 lb. thawed raw extra-large shrimp (26-30) or jumbo shrimp (21-25), peeled, deveined, and tail-off
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons dry white wine (or chicken broth)
  • 16 oz. heavy cream
  • 4 oz. shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley, plus more for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat fat: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
  2. Season shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel and place in a medium bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, then toss to evenly coat.
  3. Add shrimp to pan: Place the seasoned shrimp into the heated pan in a single layer.
  4. Cook shrimp: Cook each side for 2-3 minutes or until shrimp turn just opaque and are cooked through.
  5. Remove shrimp: Using tongs, carefully remove shrimp from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  6. Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic along with a pinch of salt and pepper to the pan, cooking and stirring frequently for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Deglaze pan: Pour in the white wine and scrape the bottom of the pan to release browned bits, cooking over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Add cream and cheese: Stir in heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese along with salt and pepper. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
  9. Incorporate parsley and season: Stir in chopped parsley, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Toss pasta: Add the cooked linguine to the pan and toss until well-coated in the creamy sauce.
  11. Return shrimp: Add the shrimp back into the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce and warming through for another minute.
  12. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle additional fresh parsley on top for garnish and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Use dry white wine for authentic flavor; chicken broth is a good non-alcoholic substitute.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning based on your heat preference.
  • Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to maintain tenderness.
  • Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich.
  • Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added color and heat.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/creamy-cajun-shrimp-pasta-recipe/