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Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.4 from 90 reviews

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and creamy American main course combining tender shrimp seasoned with bold Cajun spices with a rich tomato cream sauce and al dente penne pasta. It’s a quick and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners, featuring a spicy kick from jalapenos and Cajun seasoning balanced by the creaminess of parmesan and heavy cream.

  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 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

For the Cajun Shrimp

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1-2 tablespoons Cajun Seasonings

For Garnish

  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and jalapeno pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until they soften.
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Simmer Sauce: Pour in the fire roasted tomatoes, optional tomato sauce, and stir in 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasonings. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop flavors. You may simmer longer if desired for deeper taste.
  4. Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the penne pasta in a pot of boiling, lightly salted water until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  5. Cook Shrimp: In a separate large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1-2 tablespoons Cajun seasonings, then add them to the hot pan. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn opaque and are fully cooked. Remove from heat.
  6. Make Creamy Sauce: Stir the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese into the simmering tomato sauce, mixing well until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  7. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and cooked shrimp into the creamy Cajun sauce, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes on top before serving for extra flavor and color.

Notes

  • You can substitute heavy cream with sour cream or crema for a lighter dish.
  • Use bell pepper instead of jalapeno if you prefer less heat.
  • Simmering the sauce longer will intensify the flavors.
  • Serve with extra parmesan cheese on the side for topping.
  • Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.

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