Homemade Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Simple and Tasty: Homemade Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Enjoy the goodness of Cajun Shrimp Pasta, a creamy dish filled with parmesan cheese, garlic, Cajun seasoning, and tender shrimp. You can whip up this restaurant-quality meal in no time!
Easy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
If you like pasta, shrimp, and a bit of Cajun spice, this dish is just right for you! Pasta is a handy and budget-friendly ingredient that can turn into many yummy meals. This Cajun shrimp pasta is bound to become a favorite for you and your family!
Weeknight dinners should be speedy, simple, and tasty. Pasta is a fantastic choice for a speedy weeknight meal. What's great about this recipe is that it's fast enough for weekdays and fancy enough for weekends, date nights, and special celebrations.
What is Cajun Shrimp Pasta?
Cajun Shrimp Pasta brings together soft Cajun-seasoned shrimp and penne pasta, all swimming in a creamy tomato sauce seasoned with Cajun spices. The sauce is full of tasty ingredients like garlic, parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, diced tomatoes, and cream.
Quick and Easy
Making Cajun shrimp pasta is speedy because the shrimp, the main ingredient, cooks very fast. While the pasta is boiling, we cook the shrimp and prepare the sauce. By the time the sauce and shrimp are ready, the pasta is fully cooked. It's a quick and easy process that results in a delicious meal!
Get the Most Flavorful Cajun Shrimp Pasta with These Easy Tips
Customizable Cajun Shrimp Pasta
1. Add In’s
Make this pasta your own! Add your favorite veggies or another protein. Consider red onions, asparagus, peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. If you want more than just shrimp, try smoked sausage, cooked bacon, chicken breast, or sliced steak. Season the extra protein with Cajun seasoning and pan-fry before cooking the shrimp, then follow the recipe as usual.
2. Shrimp
For the best results, use uncooked shrimp that's already peeled and deveined. This saves time in preparation because all you need to do is defrost the shrimp.
3. Pasta
Choose any pasta shape you like, and if you're going for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. Remember to add salt to your pasta water! Don't overcook the pasta; al dente (cooked but firm) works best, as it continues to cook in the sauce.
Common Questions about Cajun Shrimp Pasta
How to Reheat Cajun Shrimp Pasta?
1. Microwave
- Add a splash of chicken broth, water, or milk to the serving.
- Microwave for one minute, stir, then continue heating at 30-second intervals until warmed through.
2. Stove Top
- For larger portions, reheat pasta on the stove.
- Add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or water to thin the sauce as it thickens in the refrigerator.
How to Store Cajun Shrimp Pasta?
- Store in a sealed container in the fridge, good for up to 3 days (adjust based on ingredient expiry dates).
Can I Make Cajun Shrimp Pasta Ahead?
- Yes, you can prepare it ahead. Since the sauce thickens overnight, add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or water when reheating.
Can I Freeze Cajun Shrimp Pasta?
- Freezing is not recommended. The cream may separate and change texture when reheated. Also, avoid refreezing pre-frozen shrimp.
Is Cajun Shrimp Pasta Healthy?
- For a healthier version, use low-fat milk instead of cream. Keep in mind the sauce will be less thick and creamy.
Vegetarian Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- To make it vegetarian, skip the shrimp. Use firm tofu instead and add your preferred veggies.
Gluten-Free Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta for a delicious gluten-free option.
Quick and Tasty Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 694
- Course: Main Course
Ingredients:
Cajun Seasoning:
- 4 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
Homemade Cajun Seasoning (Makes approximately 4 tbsp):
- 3 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Pasta:
- 1 lb penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 1 lb shrimp (fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (or salted butter)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 14-ounce can diced tomatoes (or canned crushed tomatoes)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Garnish:
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw them by running cold water over them or let them thaw in the fridge.
- While preparing the shrimp and sauce, start cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to add salt to the pasta water. Reserve 1 cup of cooked pasta water in case you need to thicken the sauce.
- Toss the shrimp with half of the Cajun seasoning. In a deep skillet or pan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and sauté for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp is no longer translucent and turns pink. Remove the shrimp from the pan and cover to keep warm.
- In the same pan, make the sauce without wiping it clean. Over medium heat, add the butter, minced garlic, and the remaining half of Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute, or until the butter is completely melted and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add in the diced tomatoes and sauté for 1 – 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Slowly pour in the cream, stirring well to combine. Add in the Parmesan cheese and let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and add in the cooked pasta. Stir until all the pasta is coated with the sauce.
- Garnish with more Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Serve and enjoy!