Name: Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (optional – use bell pepper for milder); 3-4 cloves garlic, minced; 14 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes; 8 ounces tomato sauce (optional, for extra saucy); 1 tablespoon Cajun seasonings; 8 ounces penne pasta noodles; ¾ cup heavy cream (use sour cream or crema for a lighter version); ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1-2 tablespoons Cajun Seasonings; Fresh chopped parsley; Red pepper flakes

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 90 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors, creamy textures, and a hint of southern soul, this Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. Combining tender shrimp seasoned with lively Cajun spices and a luscious, tomato-infused cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, this meal brings a delightful balance of spice, richness, and comfort. Whether you’re cooking for friends or just treating yourself, this recipe promises to deliver warmth and excitement in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side views of a black frying pan with a silver handle on a white marbled surface. The left side displays a thick, chunky reddish-orange sauce with visible pieces of cooked vegetables and spices, with a slightly oily texture around the edges. The right side shows the same pan filled with a smooth, creamy, bright orange sauce evenly covering the ingredients, with some of the sauce spreading slightly onto the sides of the pan. The background has scattered red chili flakes adding texture and color contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe comes together with a handful of simple yet vibrant ingredients that each play a key role. From the smoky fire-roasted tomatoes adding depth, to the spice-packed Cajun seasoning bringing that signature kick, every element contributes to an irresistible dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Vegetable oil: Provides the perfect cooking medium to sauté veggies and shrimp evenly without overpowering flavors.
Onion: Adds sweetness and a mild bite that balances the heat from spices.
Jalapeno pepper: Offers a fresh, spicy note—swap with bell pepper if you prefer it mild.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic richness that complements the shrimp beautifully.
Fire roasted tomatoes: Give the sauce a smoky, robust tomato base that elevates the entire dish.
Tomato sauce (optional): For those who love their pasta saucy, it adds an extra layer of comfort.
Cajun seasonings: The soul of this recipe—packed with spices like paprika, cayenne, and herbs to bring that unmistakable southern flair.
Pasta noodles (penne recommended): Perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce while providing a tender bite.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy; sour cream or crema can be used for a lighter touch.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty finish that rounds out the dish.
Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined—a lean protein carrying the Cajun spices beautifully.
Fresh parsley and red pepper flakes: Optional garnishes that add color, freshness, and an extra splash of heat.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and jalapeno pepper, cooking them gently for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. This step lays the aromatic foundation, balancing spice and flavor for the sauce.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Toss in the minced garlic and stir for about a minute until fragrant—don’t let it brown! Next, pour in the fire roasted tomatoes and, if using, the tomato sauce for added richness. Sprinkle in one tablespoon of Cajun seasonings to infuse that signature southern spice into the simmering mixture. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce is bubbling away, bring lightly salted water to a boil and cook your pasta noodles until al dente—about 10 minutes. Al dente means the pasta will have a slight firmness to the bite, perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Cajun Shrimp

In a separate pan, heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 to 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with those punchy flavors. Sear shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and curl beautifully. Remove them from heat and keep them ready for the final assembly.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Combine

Stir the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into your simmering tomato-Cajun sauce until it becomes luxuriously creamy and smooth. Then gently fold in the cooked pasta noodles and spicy shrimp, letting everything marry together under the heat for just a minute or two. Your Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe is now ready to plate and impress.

How to Serve Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

A white bowl holds a creamy shrimp penne pasta dish with visible large shrimp sitting on top, mixed with pasta tubes all coated in a light orange sauce. The shrimp have a slight char with specks of seasoning, and fresh green herbs are scattered on top with a light sprinkle of grated cheese. Inside the bowl, a silver fork rests on the right side, partially immersed in the pasta. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with a green cloth napkin slightly folded behind the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over your pasta for a burst of color and herbaceous brightness. For those who like a little extra heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds an exciting contrast to the creamy sauce, making each bite even more memorable.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty French bread is another fabulous accompaniment, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that smoky, creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the Cajun Shrimp Pasta in individual shallow bowls, or layer it in a colorful serving dish sprinkled with vibrant parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side. If entertaining, small cast iron skillets add rustic charm and help retain warmth directly at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from your Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal—just stir gently before reheating to refresh the creamy texture.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze it, separate the pasta and shrimp from the sauce first. Freeze them individually in airtight containers for up to one month. When ready, thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir gently to keep the shrimp tender and prevent the pasta from drying out. Avoid microwaving directly for best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking so they sear nicely and don’t release too much water into the dish.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use sour cream or Mexican crema for a lighter twist; these alternatives still create a creamy sauce but with a slightly tangier flavor profile.

How spicy is this Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe?

The heat level is customizable—using jalapeno peppers adds moderate spice, but swapping them for bell peppers will mellow the dish substantially. Adjust the Cajun seasoning amount based on your heat tolerance.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Just replace regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. The sauce and shrimp remain naturally gluten-free, making this an easy swap.

What pasta shapes work best?

Penne is fantastic for holding the creamy sauce, but other tubular or ridged pastas like rigatoni or fusilli also work beautifully to capture every bit of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe is truly a celebration of flavor and comfort in one bowl. With its creamy sauce, zesty spices, and tender shrimp, it quickly becomes a favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try—once you do, it might just earn a spot in your regular rotation too!