Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with a rich, spicy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s both comforting and packed with bold Cajun spices.

Ingredients

• 16 oz Large Argentinian Shrimp (peeled and patted dry)
• Juice of 1 Lemon
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Red Paprika Powder
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• 1 Jalapeño (diced)
• 1 Red Bell Pepper (diced)
• 1 Yellow Onion (diced)
• 1/2 cup Tomato Sauce
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• Fresh Parsley (chopped)
• 14 oz Rigatoni Pasta
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel and wash the shrimp, then pat them dry thoroughly.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with lemon juice, olive oil, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, red paprika powder, smoked paprika powder, and dried oregano. Mix well and coat the shrimp evenly.
3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil.
4. Step 4: Fry the marinated shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
5. Step 5: In the same skillet, add unsalted butter and let it melt.
6. Step 6: Add the diced jalapeño, red bell pepper, and yellow onion. Sauté for 7-10 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
7. Step 7: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir for 2-3 minutes.
8. Step 8: Add the heavy cream, along with the remaining Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, red paprika powder, smoked paprika powder, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.
9. Step 9: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan if using. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
10. Step 10: Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
11. Step 11: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to combine and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken the sauce and coat the pasta.
12. Step 12: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
13. Step 13: Serve hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, leave some of the jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• You can substitute rigatoni with penne or fettuccine for a different pasta texture.
• Use fresh Cajun seasoning if possible for the best flavor, or adjust spices to your preference.
• To make it lighter, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just be sure to thaw and pat the shrimp dry completely before marinating to prevent excess moisture.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a moderate heat level from the Cajun seasoning and jalapeño. You can adjust the spice by reducing or increasing the jalapeño or using milder seasonings.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 113 reviews

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful dish featuring succulent Argentinian shrimp tossed in a spicy, creamy Cajun sauce with sautéed vegetables and rigatoni pasta. The combination of smoked paprika, garlic, and Cajun seasoning creates a rich and aromatic meal that’s perfect for a comforting dinner.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp and Marinade

• 16 oz Large Argentinian Shrimp (peeled and patted dry)
• Juice of 1 Lemon
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Red Paprika Powder
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• Corn Starch (for coating)

Vegetables and Sauce

• 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• 1 Jalapeño (diced)
• 1 Red Bell Pepper (diced)
• 1 Yellow Onion (diced)
• 1/2 cup Tomato Sauce
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Red Paprika Powder
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• Fresh Parsley (chopped, to taste)
• Freshly grated Parmesan (optional, to taste)
• Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Pasta

• 14 oz Rigatoni Pasta

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and wash the shrimp thoroughly, then pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Marinate the Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with lemon juice, olive oil, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, red paprika powder, smoked paprika powder, and dried oregano. Mix well to evenly coat the shrimp, then lightly coat the shrimp in corn starch to help crisp when cooked.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Fry the marinated shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Add the diced jalapeño, red bell pepper, and yellow onion. Sauté for 7-10 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
5. Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir for 2-3 minutes to combine. Add the heavy cream along with the remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, red paprika powder, smoked paprika powder, and dried oregano. Stir thoroughly to blend all the flavors.
6. Simmer with Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, add chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta.
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the sauce and shrimp. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss everything together and let it simmer for another 5 minutes, ensuring the sauce thickens and coats the pasta evenly.
9. Adjust Seasonings: Taste the pasta and sauce, then adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
10. Garnish and Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan, chopped fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper for a final flavorful touch.

Notes

• Peeling and drying the shrimp well ensures they sear properly for a better texture.
• Coating shrimp lightly in corn starch before frying helps achieve a slight crispiness.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
• Adjust the jalapeño quantity for your preferred level of heat.
• Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a lovely richness to the dish.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, spicy pasta recipe, Cajun seasoning recipes, seafood pasta, rigatoni with shrimp