This creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe makes for the BEST pasta dinner ready in under 30 minutes! Buttery cajun shrimp in a creamy cajun sauce mixed with pasta.
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If you love easy pasta dinners like our Feta Pasta, creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, or Chicken Alfredo Pasta, this Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a must try.
Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This simple pasta dish is such a great recipe to make, not only for busy weeknights but even a fancy dinner. Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavor-packed spin on our Creamy Shrimp Pasta. You’ll love the buttery and tender shrimp tossed in a spicy cajun seasoning and coated in creamy tomato alfredo pasta sauce with penne noodles.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Pasta– Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions.
- Shrimp– Peel and devein shrimp. Toss the shrimp into the cajun seasoning and saute until opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and cover to keep warm.
- Sauce– Saute garlic with butter until fragrant, add the tomatoes. Add cream, cajun seasoning, and parmesan and bring to a simmer.
- Combine – Add the shrimp back in along with the pasta and stir to coat in sauce.
- Serve– Top with freshly grated parmesan and parsley to serve.
Pro Tip: Add more or less cajun seasoning to adjust the level of heat in this dish.
Serve With
This hearty pasta dish is perfect to serve on its own, but we love to pair it with a fresh Caesar Salad or any of these sides:
- Easy Garlic Bread
- Roasted Cauliflower
- Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
- Panzanella Salad
Common Questions
What kind of shrimp can I use?
For the best results, you will want to use large fresh shrimp that are peeled and deveined. We love 21-25 count. You may also use frozen raw shrimp and thaw before using.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
You can substitute the penne pasta for any other pasta such as rigatoni, ziti, mostaccioli, and elbow pasta.
What type of cajun seasoning do I use?
You can use any of your favorite store bought cajun seasoning.
Can I add vegetables?
You can definitely add your favorite vegetable to the shrimp pasta. Onion, peppers, asparagus or green beans would all work great.
Why is my cajun sauce runny?
If your sauce is runny, then you did not simmer the sauce long enough. Also, make sure to use HEAVY whipping cream which has a higher fat content than regular whipping cream and don’t skip the parmesan cheese which helps thicken the sauce.
I hope this creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta becomes a new family favorite for you.
More Cajun Recipes
- Grilled Cajun Shrimp
- Easy Shrimp Boil
- Baked Cajun Shrimp
- Shrimp Fajitas
- Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Cajun Beef Fajitas
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
4.99 from 359 votes
Author: Valentina Ablaev
Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe that makes for the BEST pasta dinner that is ready in under 30 minutes! Buttery cajun shrimp in a creamy cajun sauce mixed with pasta. An easy pasta dish packed with so much flavor!
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 20 minutes mins
Total Time: 25 minutes mins
Ingredients
Servings: 6 servings
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp cajun seasoning, divided *or added to taste depending on brand used.
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more to serve
- 2 Tbsp parsley to garnish, (optional)
Instructions
Cook the penne pasta in a pot of salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the water and cover the pasta to keep warm.
Coat the shrimp with 1 Tbsp of the cajun seasoning. In a deep skillet, heat 1 Tbsp oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and saute for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp is no longer translucent, remove from skillet and cover to keep warm.
In the same skillet, melt 2 Tbsp butter with the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add in the diced tomatoes and saute for about 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the heavy whipping cream, remaining 1 Tbsp cajun seasoning and grated parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer then reduce to medium/low heat and continue 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
Add the shrimp and pasta back into the skillet and stir until noodles are coated in sauce and everything is heated through. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve.
Notes
*Different brands of cajun seasoning have varying amounts of salt. If your seasoning is saltier, start with half of the seasoning and add more to taste.
Nutrition Per Serving
523kcal Calories33g Carbs25g Protein32g Fat18g Saturated Fat1g Trans Fat289mg Cholesterol745mg Sodium303mg Potassium2g Fiber2g Sugar2348IU Vitamin A7mg Vitamin C265mg Calcium3mg Iron
- Full Nutrition Label
- Nutrition Disclosure
Nutrition Facts
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Amount per Serving
Calories
523
% Daily Value*
Fat
32
g
49
%
Saturated Fat
18
g
113
%
Trans Fat
1
g
Cholesterol
289
mg
96
%
Sodium
32
%
Potassium
303
mg
9
%
Carbohydrates
33
g
11
%
Fiber
2
g
8
%
Sugar
2
g
2
%
Protein
25
g
50
%
Vitamin A
2348
IU
47
%
Vitamin C
7
mg
8
%
Calcium
265
mg
27
%
Iron
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cajun shrimp pasta
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 523
Valentina Ablaev
I am Valentina, the creator behind the food blog Valentina’s Corner where I share our family’s favorite recipes. When I am not in the kitchen, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and 5 children. We invite you to join us on our blogging journey!
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