There’s nothing better than this Cajun shrimp pasta, featuring succulent shrimp, bold Cajun spices, tender pasta and a creamy sauce that’ll knock your socks off.
This one pan recipe is easy, flavorful and a huge hit with the whole family. Let’s dig in!
Ingredients
- Pasta. We’re using regular spaghetti in this recipe. You could also go with fettucine or linguine.
- Shrimp. Use fresh shrimp or defrosted frozen shrimp that have already been deveined with the tails removed. Or do this yourself.
- Bell peppers. You’ll see lots of different colored peppers in Cajun cooking, and we chose red and yellow for this recipe.
- Cajun seasoning. Cajun spices typically include cayenne pepper, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and paprika. Make your own homemade Cajun seasoning or take a shortcut (like I do) and buy a good premade brand.
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Butter
How to Make this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Cook the Pasta
Cook your pasta according to the package directions for al dente. Reserve some of that starchy pasta water before draining the pasta.
Cook the Shrimp
Season the shrimp with a little bit of Cajun seasoning. Then, saute them in a pan with butter until they turn pink and curl up. This should only take a few minutes.
Set the seasoned shrimp aside.
Cook the Peppers
In the same pan, toss in the diced bell peppers. Cook them until they are soft and then set them aside.
Make the Sauce
Add the rest of the butter to the pan and start to sizzle the garlic. Then, pour in your cream, Parmesan, salt and the rest of the Cajun seasoning.
The sauce will come together and thicken up in just a minute or so. If you like a thinner sauce, now is the time to add that reserved pasta water.
Bring it all Together
Now, add the cooked pasta, shrimp and peppers back into the pan and toss everything in the sauce.
Watch how to make Cajun Shrimp Pasta!
Serving Suggestions
1. The Garnishes: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top of your pasta. If you like a little more heat, try some crushed red pepper flakes.
2. The Sides: This rich cream sauce is complemented by a lightly dressed side salad. And crusty bread is never a bad idea!
3. The Beverages: Cut the richness of this creamy shrimp pasta dish with a crisp white wine or bubbly Prosecco.
Variations
1. The protein: As alternatives to shrimp, salmon and chicken both work well in this recipe. Andouille sausage is also a big thing in Cajun food and would be delicious. Be sure to adjust your cooking time based on the protein you choose.
2. The veggies: Go with your personal preference for the colors of bell peppers. If you like orange or green bell peppers, swap them in.
3. The pasta: Use any kind of pasta shape you prefer, and to make this recipe gluten free, swap in a rice-based gluten free pasta.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
You can reheat it in the microwave, but for best results, reheat it in a saucepan with a splash of milk or water to help reconstitute the sauce.
FAQs
Use whatever pasta shape you like! The creamy Cajun sauce will pair well with long shapes like spaghetti and fettucine and short-cut shapes like farfalle and penne pasta.
Spice level is subjective, but I’d say that this dish has heat without being truly spicy. I encourage you to experiment with the measurements for Cajun seasoning in the recipe card to settle on the right spice level for you.
You sure can! Combine 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and salt. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
This is a great recipe to make ahead! Store in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to enjoy it, reheat in a saucepan with a splash of milk or water to help reconstitute the sauce.
Yes, but you’ll need to skip the first step of the recipe. Shrimp cooks super fast, and overcooking it will result in a rubbery texture.
If you use pre-cooked shrimp, season it with the Cajun seasoning and set it aside. Then, add it to the pan at the end along with the cooked pasta and peppers.
When you make this Cajun shrimp pasta, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy!
For more pasta recipes, try these:
- Chicken Fajita Pasta
- Chicken and Broccoli Mac and Cheese
- Pasta Bravo (Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce)
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (Easy One Pan Recipe)
Ingredients
- 12 oz. spaghetti pasta
- 20 medium to large shrimp deveined and tails removed
- 1/2 red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper diced
- 1 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 8 Tbsp. unsalted butter divided
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley or chives chopped
- 3 1/2 tsp. Cajun seasoning divided
- 1/2 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season shrimp with 1 tsp. of Cajun seasoning.
- Heat 2 Tbsp. butter in a large pan. Saute the shrimp in the butter until it curls up and turns pink, about 2-3 minutes each side. Remove onto a separate plate.
- Place the diced bell peppers into the pan and saute until soft. Remove onto a separate plate.
- Add remaining 6 Tbsp. butter to the pan. Saute the minced garlic until sizzling and slightly golden.
- Stir in the cream, Parmesan cheese, 2 1/2 tsp. Cajun seasoning and salt. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
- Add the pasta, shrimp, bell peppers and fresh herbs back into the sauce and toss to coat.
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