A quick and creamy Cajun shrimp pasta recipe with a spicy kick, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Author:Cat
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound linguine or fettuccine
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Add cooked pasta, cooked shrimp, and chopped parsley to the skillet. Toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Stir in red pepper flakes if using.
Serve immediately.
Notes
For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes.
You can substitute chicken or sausage for shrimp.
Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.