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- 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste To create a rich, creamy Cajun shrimp pasta, you need these core ingredients. The fettuccine serves as the perfect base. Shrimp adds protein and a sweet flavor. Olive oil helps cook the shrimp and veggies. Onions and garlic add depth to the dish. Red and green bell peppers bring color and crunch. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich. Parmesan cheese gives it a savory kick. Cajun seasoning adds a warm, spicy touch. Salt and pepper balance the flavors. - Additional spices and herbs - Garnishes such as fresh parsley For those who want to elevate the dish, consider adding more spices like paprika or cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can add a nice touch. A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only enhances flavor but also adds a pop of color to your plate. - Calories: About 600 per serving - Protein: 30g - Carbs: 50g This creamy Cajun shrimp pasta packs a hearty punch. The shrimp provides a good source of protein. The heavy cream and cheese contribute healthy fats. Fettuccine adds carbohydrates for energy. By using fresh ingredients, you also get vitamins and minerals. Eating this dish can be a treat while still being nutritious. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook fettuccine, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine. Stir it gently to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Al dente means the pasta is firm to the bite, not soft. Drain the pasta and save about 1 cup of the pasta water. This water helps adjust the sauce later. For perfectly cooked shrimp, use a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp that is peeled and deveined. Season them with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes. They will turn pink and opaque when done. Avoid overcooking, or they will become rubbery. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Cook it for about 3 minutes until it turns translucent. Then, add minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté these for around 5 minutes until the peppers are soft. Next, lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Now, bring back the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta water. Mix well until you reach the desired consistency. Then, add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Season with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the pasta in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. This adds a nice touch of color. To cook shrimp well, avoid overcooking. Shrimp cooks fast, taking only 3-4 minutes. When they turn pink, they’re done. Remove them from heat right away. This keeps them tender and juicy. For the cream sauce, you want it just right. If it’s too thick, add the reserved pasta water. Start with a little and stir. Keep adding until it’s silky smooth. The sauce should coat the pasta nicely, not drown it. To amp up the Cajun flavor, consider adding more spices. A dash of smoked paprika can bring depth. You can also try cayenne for extra heat. If you want a different twist, add a splash of lemon juice. It brightens up the dish beautifully. For a healthier version, swap the heavy cream for Greek yogurt. You still get creaminess, but with less fat. You can also use whole grain pasta for added fiber. Garnishing makes your dish pop. Use fresh parsley for color and freshness. You can also add grated Parmesan on top. This adds a nice touch and boosts flavor. For a complete meal, serve the pasta with a simple salad. A green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well. You can also serve warm bread on the side. This makes the meal feel more special. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp: Always use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Adjust the Spice: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level. Pasta Water Magic: Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency; it adds flavor and helps bind the sauce to the pasta. Garnish Wisely: Use freshly chopped parsley for garnish to add freshness and a burst of color to your dish. {{image_2}} You can add a variety of vegetables to your Cajun shrimp pasta. Consider using zucchini, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. Each of these vegetables brings a unique taste and texture. You can also use seasonal produce like asparagus or corn. These vegetables not only add color but also enhance the dish's freshness. When you shop for veggies, choose what looks best at the market. Fresh ingredients can make your meal more vibrant. If shrimp is not your choice, you have great options. Chicken or scallops work well in this dish. For a plant-based option, try using firm tofu or chickpeas. Both can soak up the flavors of the sauce. If you want seafood, consider using crab or lobster. These can elevate your pasta and impress your guests. Each protein brings its own taste, so feel free to mix and match. Fettuccine is great, but you can try other pasta types too. Gluten-free pasta or whole grain options are tasty and healthy alternatives. Different shapes can change your dish’s feel. For instance, penne or rigatoni can hold more sauce. This makes every bite flavorful. Explore your local store for unique shapes and sizes to make your dish exciting. To store leftover creamy Cajun shrimp pasta, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the pasta cools down first. This helps keep the texture nice. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Pasta can last up to two months in the freezer. Just remember to label the container with the date. Reheating creamy pasta can be tricky. The best method is to use a skillet. Add a splash of milk or cream to help the sauce stay smooth. Heat it over low heat, stirring gently. You can also use the microwave, but heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. Always check the sauce consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk or cream. Enjoy your flavorful dish just like when it was fresh! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and shrimp, then store them separately. Keep the creamy sauce in an airtight container. Store everything in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the sauce on low heat. Add a splash of pasta water to bring back the creaminess. Combine the pasta and shrimp just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. If you want a lighter version, you can use whole milk or half-and-half. You can also try coconut milk for a dairy-free option. For a rich flavor, blend silken tofu with a bit of water. This gives you a creamy texture without the calories. Each option works well but will change the flavor slightly. Adjust seasoning to match your choice. The spice level comes from the Cajun seasoning. It brings a warm heat, but it’s not overpowering. If you’re sensitive to spice, use less seasoning. You can also mix in some cream to tone it down. For those who love heat, add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce. It’s all about your taste preference. Yes, feel free to mix in other seafood! Scallops, crab, or even lobster can enhance the dish. Cook them just like the shrimp for a tasty blend. Make sure to adjust the cooking times based on the seafood you choose. This way, everything cooks evenly and tastes great. In this post, we explored how to make Cajun shrimp pasta from start to finish. We covered the key ingredients, instructions for cooking, and ways to enhance flavor. Nutrition details let you see the benefits of each ingredient. When you try this dish, remember to experiment with flavors and variations. Tailor it to your taste and enjoy every bite! That’s how great meals are made. Happy cooking!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with Cajun-seasoned shrimp and colorful vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 unit onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 unit green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • to taste unit Salt and pepper
  • for garnish unit Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season them with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté until peppers are softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low, and pour in the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well and allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
  • Stir in the cooked shrimp and the remaining Cajun seasoning. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  • Add the fettuccine to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Divide the pasta among plates, garnishing with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Adjust the Cajun seasoning to taste for more or less spice.
Keyword Cajun, creamy, pasta, shrimp