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- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish To make this dish, gather these main and additional ingredients. Start with fettuccine or linguine, choose large shrimp, and get your Cajun seasoning ready. Next, have some olive oil, onion, garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, cherry tomatoes, and spinach on hand. Don't forget about salt and pepper for seasoning. For a finishing touch, you will need grated Parmesan cheese and some fresh parsley to garnish. These flavors come together to create a creamy and spicy pasta dish that is sure to delight. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. - Add 8 oz of fettuccine or linguine. - Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. - Drain the pasta, saving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set it aside. - Take 1 lb of large shrimp and place them in a bowl. - Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over the shrimp. - Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add the shrimp in a single layer. - Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. - Once cooked, move the shrimp to a plate and cover to keep warm. - In the same skillet, add 1 medium finely diced onion. - Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion looks translucent. - Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. - Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet. - Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and gently simmer to thicken the sauce. - Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of fresh spinach to the sauce. - Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften. - Toss in the drained pasta and cooked shrimp. - Mix everything gently, cooking on low heat. - If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Plate the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta generously. - Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. - Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. - Enjoy the delightful flavors! To get the best creamy texture, you may need to adjust the sauce thickness. If your sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. This water has starch that helps the sauce cling to the pasta. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. This will help it reduce and thicken. Using reserved pasta water is key. It enhances the flavor and texture of your sauce. Just remember, start with a little and add more as needed. If you want to switch up the Cajun seasoning, try using Creole seasoning instead. It has a similar flavor but with a unique twist. You can also mix in spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can add a nice touch, too. Shrimp cook quickly. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. The texture should be firm but not rubbery. To avoid overcooking, watch the time closely. Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side. If you see them curling tightly, they may be overdone. Remove them from the heat as soon as they are just cooked. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp: Always use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp can be used, but ensure they are properly thawed and patted dry before cooking. Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your personal taste. For a milder dish, start with less seasoning and add more as needed. Adding Veggies: Experiment with adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. They can be sautéed along with the onions for a delicious twist. Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to bring back the creaminess. {{image_4}} You can swap shrimp for chicken or sausage. Chicken breast works well. Just cut it into small pieces and cook it until it's no longer pink. If you want to use sausage, try andouille or smoked sausage. They add a nice flavor. For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu. Cube the tofu and sauté until golden. You can also try chickpeas for a protein boost. Fettuccine and linguine are my top picks for this dish. They hold the sauce well. You can also use penne or rigatoni if you prefer. For gluten-free options, try brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta. These choices cook nicely and absorb flavors well. Just be mindful of cooking times, as they can differ. Add more veggies for extra flavor and nutrition. Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms work great. You can also toss in asparagus or broccoli for a crunch. If it's summer, use fresh corn or summer squash. In fall, butternut squash or kale adds heartiness. Feel free to get creative with seasonal produce! To keep your Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the pasta cools down first to avoid steam buildup. This method helps prevent sogginess. I recommend glass containers for their durability and easy cleaning. You can also use plastic containers with tight lids. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, avoid the microwave if you want creamy sauce. Instead, heat it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist. Stir gently until heated through. You can also cover the skillet to speed up the process. This method keeps the pasta creamy and delicious. Yes, you can freeze Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta! However, the shrimp may lose some texture. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label it with the date. It can last up to two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove, adding a little liquid to restore creaminess. Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and shrimp, and store them separately. You can also make the sauce and keep it in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just heat everything together in a skillet. This keeps the pasta and shrimp fresh. You can add a bit of pasta water to help the sauce mix well. The spice level can vary. Cajun seasoning has a good kick, but you can adjust it. If you want less heat, reduce the Cajun seasoning. For more spice, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. This pasta pairs well with a simple side salad. A green salad with lemon dressing works great. You can also serve garlic bread for a nice touch. For drinks, white wine or a light beer matches well. These sides and drinks enhance the meal. Enjoy your flavors! This recipe for Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta showcases simple steps and bold flavors. You learned about the key ingredients, preparation techniques, and tips for making it perfect. Whether you stick with shrimp or try a twist, this dish will impress. Keep in mind how to store and reheat leftovers to enjoy it again later. With practice, you’ll master your own unique version. Cooking should be fun and tasty, so dive into this dish with confidence. Enjoy every creamy, spicy bite!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

A delicious pasta dish featuring shrimp cooked in a creamy Cajun sauce with fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, add the large shrimp and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over them. Toss well to ensure each shrimp is coated evenly with the spice blend.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and cover to keep warm.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and softened. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant and golden.
  • Slowly pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—this adds flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and the tomatoes have softened. Introduce the drained pasta and cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently, cooking on low heat. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
  • Plate the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta generously and finish with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Dive in and enjoy the delightful flavors!

Notes

Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to taste.
Keyword Cajun, creamy, pasta, shrimp