Easy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipes
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful recipe perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender shrimp seasoned with bold Cajun spices are paired with fettuccine coated in a creamy tomato-based sauce, finished with fresh parmesan and parsley.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta or pasta of choice
- 1 lb large or jumbo shrimp cleaned and deveined
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil for shrimp and cooking
- 1½ tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 handful spinach optional
- ½ cup fresh parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chicken bouillon optional, for pasta water and sauce
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil water in a large pot. Add salt and chicken bouillon (optional) for flavor.
- Cook fettuccine pasta until al dente (10-12 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
Prepare the Shrimp:
- Pat dry the shrimp. Drizzle with olive oil and season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat 2-3 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook 1-2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add butter and diced onion. Sauté until soft.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove raw flavor.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly.
- Add reserved pasta water (½ cup) and heavy whipping cream. Stir to combine.
- (Optional) Add spinach and let it wilt.
- Season the Sauce:
- Add Cajun seasoning, chicken bouillon, and adjust with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Everything:
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Add half the cooked shrimp to the pasta and stir.
Garnish and Serve:
- Top with remaining shrimp, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Video
Notes
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a quick and delicious dish, perfect for busy nights. Juicy shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices are tossed with fettuccine in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. It's easy to make and bursting with flavor—ideal for impressing family or guests!