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To make Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role. The fettuccine pasta gives a nice base for the dish. The shrimp adds protein and a wonderful texture. Cajun seasoning brings the heat and flavor. Olive oil helps sauté the veggies, making them nice and tender. The bell pepper and onion add sweetness and crunch. Garlic gives a fragrant touch, while cherry tomatoes add freshness. Heavy cream creates a rich sauce, and Parmesan cheese adds a savory note. You can adjust salt and pepper to suit your taste. This complete ingredients list will help you create a delicious meal. For a detailed guide, check out the Full Recipe. Start by salting your water well. Use about a tablespoon of salt for every four quarts of water. This helps flavor the pasta as it cooks. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the fettuccine. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Check it a minute or two before the time is up. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside in a large bowl. For the shrimp, take about one pound of large shrimp that is peeled and deveined. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over the shrimp. Toss them until they are evenly coated. If you have time, let them marinate for about 15-30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to soak in and make your dish even tastier. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Control the heat to avoid burning the oil. Start by adding one chopped onion and one sliced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook them for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Next, add three minced garlic cloves and one cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Now it’s time to cook the shrimp. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the seasoned shrimp to the empty side. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Once the shrimp is cooked, pour in one cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This thickens the sauce. Finally, add the drained fettuccine and toss everything together. Stir in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. For the full recipe, refer to the beginning of this article. Enjoy your Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta! To make the best spicy Cajun shrimp pasta, start with the spice levels. If you love heat, add more Cajun seasoning. If you prefer it mild, use less. You can also mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra kick. Taste your sauce before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. For a creamy sauce that doesn’t curdle, add the heavy cream slowly. Stir it in while the heat is low. This helps keep the cream smooth. You can mix in some pasta water if the sauce gets too thick. This keeps the flavor rich and creamy. Pair this dish with a simple green salad. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with garlic bread. The bread soaks up the creamy sauce well. For wine, a chilled Sauvignon Blanc works great. Its crispness cuts through the richness of the dish. If you prefer red, choose a light Pinot Noir. Both wines enhance the flavors of the pasta. {{image_2}} You can make this dish healthier with a few simple swaps. First, try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Both options give you more fiber and nutrients while keeping the flavor you love. Whole wheat pasta has a nutty taste, while gluten-free pasta can be just as good if cooked right. Next, swap the heavy cream for lighter options. You can use half-and-half or even Greek yogurt. Both will cut the calories without losing the creamy texture. If you prefer, use coconut milk for a dairy-free version. It adds a nice tropical twist and pairs well with Cajun spices. Don't hesitate to get creative with your ingredients. You can add vegetables like spinach or zucchini. Spinach brings a pop of color and nutrients, while zucchini adds great texture. Just sauté them with the other veggies for a few minutes to soften them. If you're not a shrimp fan, you can use different proteins. Chicken or scallops work beautifully in this dish. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. Chicken takes a bit longer, while scallops cook quickly and add a sweet flavor. Each swap lets you enjoy Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta in a new way. For the full recipe, check out the cooking instructions above. To store your Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, first let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. In the freezer, it can last for about two months. When reheating, you want to keep that flavor. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat it over medium-low heat and add a splash of water or broth. This helps to steam the pasta and keeps it moist. If the sauce seems thick, add a little extra cream or milk. This will restore the creaminess you love. Stir gently and enjoy your meal again! Cajun seasoning is a mix of spices. Common ingredients include: - Paprika - Cayenne pepper - Garlic powder - Onion powder - Black pepper - Oregano - Thyme These spices create a bold flavor. You can adjust the mix to fit your taste. Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and shrimp, then store them separately. Keep the sauce in its own container. This way, they stay fresh. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat everything. Combine them in a pan and stir until warm. If shrimp isn't your thing, try these options: - Chicken breast, diced - Tofu, cubed - Scallops, cleaned - Veggies like zucchini or mushrooms These swaps keep the dish tasty while meeting your needs. Absolutely! To make the dish milder: - Use less Cajun seasoning. - Add cream to tone down the heat. For more heat: - Add extra cayenne. - Include sliced jalapeños. You can find your perfect spice level with a few tweaks. For the full recipe, check out the Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta section above. This blog post guided you through making a delicious Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta. We covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking details, and tips for the best results. You learned how to adjust spice levels and adapt the dish to your taste. Remember, you can swap ingredients for healthier options. Enjoy your creamy pasta dish next time you cook! With practice, this recipe will become a family favorite. Happy cooking!

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in the bold flavors of Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with this easy and delicious recipe! Perfectly cooked fettuccine is tossed with juicy shrimp coated in zesty Cajun seasoning, vibrant vegetables, and a rich cream sauce that will leave you craving more. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your pasta game today!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.

      Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sliced bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.

        Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

          Cook the Shrimp: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp is pink and opaque.

            Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the shrimp and vegetables. Allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

              Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

                Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4