Craving a bold, creamy, and flavor-packed pasta dish? Cajun Shrimp Pasta brings together juicy, spice-kissed shrimp, a rich, garlicky sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in a dish that’s impossible to resist. Every bite is a balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with a kick of Cajun spice, making it a go-to meal for those who love a little heat in their comfort food. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend indulgence, this dish is bound to become a household favorite.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp
Large, plump shrimp work best for this dish, offering a slightly sweet contrast to the Cajun seasoning. Use fresh shrimp if possible, but frozen shrimp, properly thawed, will work just as well. If seafood isn’t your thing, swap the shrimp for grilled chicken or sausage for a different but equally delicious take.
Cajun Seasoning
A good Cajun seasoning blend is the backbone of this dish. It brings smoky, garlicky, and slightly spicy flavors that elevate the shrimp and sauce. While store-bought blends work fine, making your own mix lets you control the heat. A simple combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and a touch of cayenne does the trick.
Pasta
Short-cut pastas like penne, rigatoni, or rotini hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring you get the perfect bite every time. But if long pasta is more your style, fettuccine or linguine will also work. Feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.
Cream & Cheese
Heavy cream creates the luscious, velvety texture that makes this sauce irresistible. If you prefer a lighter version, half-and-half works as well. Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty depth, but you can mix in mozzarella or even cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Garlic & Butter
A base of sautéed garlic in melted butter sets the foundation for the creamy sauce. The garlic infuses the sauce with its rich aroma, while the butter adds a layer of indulgence.
Vegetables (Optional but Recommended!)
Adding sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms brings extra depth to the dish. Spinach or sun-dried tomatoes can also be tossed in for a fresh twist.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside. This starchy water helps adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
2. Prepare the Shrimp
Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until fully coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic & Veggies
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, toss in minced garlic and any veggies you’re using, like bell peppers or onions. Sauté until fragrant and slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the sautéed ingredients. Let it simmer gently, then sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts, and the sauce thickens into a silky consistency. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
5. Combine Everything
Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together so the pasta is well coated in the creamy, spicy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—adding more Cajun seasoning for spice lovers or a pinch of salt for balance.
6. Serve & Garnish
Plate up the pasta while it’s hot, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat. Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Toppings & Variations
Extra Cheesy Version
For those who believe there’s no such thing as too much cheese, stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella before serving. The extra cheesiness makes the sauce even more indulgent.
Spicy Shrimp & Sausage Pasta
Adding sliced Andouille or smoked sausage alongside the shrimp enhances the smoky, savory flavors in the dish. Brown the sausage before cooking the shrimp for the best texture.
Veggie-Packed Twist
For a healthier take, toss in spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted cherry tomatoes for a pop of freshness and color.
Low-Carb Alternative
For a low-carb alternative, swap the pasta for zucchini noodles! Check out this recipe for Zucchini Noodles with Mushroom Sauce for a healthy, delicious twist.
 How to Store & Reheat Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Storing Leftovers
Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions
For the best results, reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works too but may slightly dry out the shrimp.
Freezing Cajun Shrimp Pasta
This pasta can be frozen, but keep in mind that the creamy sauce may separate slightly when thawed. For the best texture, freeze the sauce and shrimp separately from the pasta. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
The Ultimate Comfort Food with a Kick
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is everything you could want in a dish—spicy, creamy, cheesy, and packed with juicy shrimp. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just satisfying a comfort food craving, this pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try different toppings, make it extra cheesy, or add your favorite vegetables—there’s no wrong way to enjoy this rich and flavorful meal.
Looking for more pasta ideas? Check out this guide on the best pasta shapes for shrimp , What Pairs Well with Cajun Shrimp?
Florida Shrimp Pie , Â and discover the perfect match for your next seafood pasta dish!
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta penne, fettuccine, or linguine
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined fresh or thawed frozen
- 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning plus more to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced optional
- ½ onion, sliced optional
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream or use half-and-half for lighter version
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup pasta water reserved from cooking
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
- Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until fully coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and optional veggies like bell pepper or onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stir to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until melted and the sauce thickens. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
- Return shrimp and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and more Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
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