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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a quick stovetop dinner made with tender shrimp, penne, parmesan, and cream.
It is rich, bold, and ready in about 30 minutes.
Perfect for an easy family meal with restaurant-style flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning divided
  • 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 for serving
  • 2 tbsp parsley chopped, for garnish optional
  • Salted water for boiling pasta

Instructions
 

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve a little pasta water, then drain the pasta and keep it warm.
  • Season the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
  • Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until no longer translucent. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
  • In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  • Add the diced tomatoes and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning and grated parmesan cheese.
  • Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Return the shrimp and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  • Serve the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with extra parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich. Add spinach or mushrooms for extra texture and color. Serve this pasta with garlic bread, a crisp salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.