Go Back
+ servings
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

A deliciously rich and flavorful Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta that brings bold tastes to your dinner table.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Cajun
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • skillet
  • food processor
  • pot

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed, patted dry
  • 2 tsp. Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil divided
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 small yellow onion, coarsely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, coarsely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 12 oz. linguine
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1 ½ cups), plus more for serving
  • ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • ½ cup thinly sliced chives

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, toss shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and 2 Tbsp. oil; lightly season with salt.
  • In a large, deep, 12" skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 Tbsp. oil. Working in batches, cook shrimp, making sure shrimp is touching skillet, until browned and cooked through, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a plate. Wipe out skillet.
  • In a food processor, pulse onion, bell pepper, and garlic, scraping down sides if needed, until very smooth and a puree forms, about 1 minute.
  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
  • Meanwhile, in same skillet over medium heat, heat remaining 2 Tbsp. oil. Cook onion mixture, stirring frequently and adding a splash of water if browning too quickly, until most of the liquid is evaporated and mixture becomes drier and thicker, 7 to 10 minutes.
  • Add cream to onion mixture, scraping any bits stuck to bottom of pan. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Whisk Parmesan into sauce until thick and homogenous. Add shrimp, pasta, parsley, chives, and ¾ cup pasta water, stirring and adding more pasta water if needed, until sauce is smooth and glossy. Top with more Parmesan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Cajun, Creamy, Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, dinner, Pasta, shrimp
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!