Description
A rich and flavorful Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta that combines perfectly seared seasoned shrimp with a luscious parmesan cream sauce. Tossed with linguine and fresh herbs, this dish offers a delightful balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness, ready in just 35 minutes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed, patted dry
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Kosher salt, to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, coarsely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, coarsely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 oz parmesan cheese, finely grated (about 1½ cups), plus more for serving
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup thinly sliced chives
- 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Instructions
- Cook the linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season and sear the shrimp: Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of kosher salt. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes on each side until just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, sautéing for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the creamy sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil followed by the heavy cream. Let the cream simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add parmesan cheese: Stir in the finely grated parmesan cheese and allow it to melt into a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Toss pasta and shrimp with sauce: Return the cooked linguine and seared shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Add fresh herbs and adjust seasoning: Stir in the finely chopped parsley and thinly sliced chives. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or Cajun spice if preferred.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta hot, topped with additional parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for garnish if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture, but frozen shrimp can be thawed and used if needed.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Reserve pasta water is helpful to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Parmesan cheese adds salty richness; use freshly grated for best melting properties and flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
