Description
Cajun Shrimp Pasta is bold, creamy, and irresistibly comforting. Juicy shrimp are seasoned with smoky Cajun spices, then folded into al dente pasta in a silky garlic cream sauce enriched with Parmesan and a bright lemon finish. Sautéed onion and red pepper add color and texture, while a splash of broth loosens the sauce. Quick enough for busy weeknights, yet impressive for guests, every bite delivers heat, richness, and depth. It’s a crowd-pleasing, restaurant-quality skillet supper.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta such as penne or fettuccine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cooking cream or coconut milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Pour in cream and chicken broth. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice until smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Return shrimp to the pan and toss gently to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or skim milk instead of cream.
- Freshly grated Parmesan enhances flavor more than pre-grated.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute coconut milk and vegan Parmesan.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for more heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 465 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 82 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: Cajun Shrimp Pasta, Creamy Cajun Pasta, Shrimp Pasta, Cajun Seafood Pasta, Weeknight Dinner, Pasta with Shrimp, Lemon Parmesan Pasta