Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is bold, spicy, and irresistibly creamy—everything you want in a comfort food dish with a kick. Juicy, seasoned shrimp are tossed in a rich Cajun-spiced cream sauce and served over perfectly cooked pasta for a restaurant-quality meal at home. It’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor in every bite.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

shrimp (peeled and deveined)pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, linguine)olive oilbuttergarlic (minced)heavy creamparmesan cheeseCajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)paprikasaltblack pepperlemon juice (optional)parsley (for garnish)

directions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan cheese and more Cajun seasoning to taste.

Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, then return shrimp to the pan.

Add cooked pasta and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.

Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley.

Serve hot with extra parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra veggies.

Use chicken or sausage instead of shrimp.

Make it dairy-free with coconut cream and vegan cheese.

Adjust the heat level with more or less Cajun seasoning.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Not recommended for freezing as the cream sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking.

Is Cajun seasoning spicy?

It can be—adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne work well to hold the creamy sauce.

Can I make it lighter?

Use half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Can I prep it ahead?

Yes, cook the pasta and shrimp in advance and reheat gently in the sauce.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer longer or add more parmesan cheese.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, a splash of white wine adds depth to the cream base.

Is this kid-friendly?

It can be—just reduce the Cajun seasoning for a milder flavor.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check labels on your Cajun seasoning.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that delivers comfort with a kick. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and always a hit whether you’re cooking for guests or craving something bold and delicious. One bite, and you’ll want this in your dinner rotation every week.

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