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Quick Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

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A simple, fiery, and creamy Cajun shrimp pasta ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) linguine or fettuccine pasta (dried works great)
  • 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley or green onions, chopped; red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Pat 1 lb shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and a pinch of Cajun seasoning.
  3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add more oil if needed, then sauté minced garlic, chopped onion, and diced bell pepper until softened (3-4 minutes).
  5. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper over the veggies. Stir for 30 seconds to toast spices.
  6. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Add drained pasta and cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat in sauce. Heat for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
  9. Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp to get a good sear. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Pat shrimp dry to avoid steaming. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level. Toss pasta in sauce off heat to keep sauce silky. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, spicy pasta, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, creamy Cajun sauce, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/quick-spicy-cajun-shrimp-pasta-recipe-easy-25-minute-dinner-idea/