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Turn Busy Nights into Flavor-Packed Feasts
When dinner needs to be quick, bold, and satisfying, this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta delivers. Featuring juicy shrimp bathed in a rich, spicy Cajun cream sauce, this dish brings a restaurant-style experience to your dinner table—in just 20 minutes. It’s an ideal weeknight whirlwind—simple enough for family dinners, elegant enough for entertaining, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love It
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Lightning-fast prep and cook time — ready in just 20 minutes
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One-pan sauce simplicity — minimal cleanup, minimal fuss
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Restaurant-level flavors — creamy, spicy, and full of depth
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Customizable spice level — kid-friendly or bolder for adults
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Halal-friendly — no pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol
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Balanced and protein-packed — ideal for busy eaters
Full Ingredient List (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shrimp, deveined & peeled | 1 lb (16‑20 count) |
| Cajun seasoning | 1½ tbsp (add more to taste) |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Onion, finely chopped | ½ small |
| Red bell pepper, diced | ½ |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | ½ cup |
| Heavy cream or coconut milk | 1 cup |
| Lemon juice (fresh) | 1 tbsp |
| Pasta (fettuccine or penne) | 8 oz (half a standard box) |
| Parmesan cheese (optional) | ¼ cup grated |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | For garnish |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper—sauté until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Spice It Up
Stir in Cajun seasoning, letting the spices toast lightly with the aromatics for 30 seconds. Season shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque—about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
4. Build the Cream Sauce
Pour in chicken broth to deglaze—scrape up any flavorful bits. Reduce a minute, then pour in heavy cream (or coconut milk) and stir to combine. Let the sauce bubble gently for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Combine and Finish
Return shrimp to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and lemon juice. Toss everything to coat evenly. Let it cook together for another minute.
6. Serve with Finesse
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using) and fresh parsley. Serve hot for best flavor.
Pro Tips for Perfection
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Maximum flavor: Use full-fat cream or rich coconut milk.
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Adjust your heat: Add cayenne pepper for extra kick, or cut back on Cajun seasoning for milder flavor.
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Garlic lovers: Add an extra clove or use garlic butter at the end.
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Seafood swap: Use chicken or tofu for a shrimp-free version.
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Make it gluten-free: Substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Nutrition Snapshot (Estimated per Serving)
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Calories: ~550–650 kcal
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Protein: ~30g (via shrimp and cream)
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Carbohydrates: ~40–45g
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Fat: ~25–30g (mostly from cream and oil)
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Naturally gluten-free when paired with GF pasta
Variations and Add-Ons
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Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Replace shrimp with bite-sized chicken strips.
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Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, kale, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms at the end.
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Cheesy Upgrade: Melt in ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack before serving.
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Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast for flavor depth.
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Citrus Zest: Add lemon or lime zest right before serving for a bright finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use raw frozen shrimp?
Yes. Just thaw before using and pat dry to ensure good sear.
Is heavy cream necessary?
For true creaminess, yes—but you can use half-and-half or coconut milk as lighter alternatives.
Can this be meal-prepped?
Absolutely! Store full-cooked pasta and sauce in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.
Spice too intense?
Dial back the Cajun seasoning or choose a milder brand. Add extra cream or cheese to mellow the heat.
Best pasta shape?
Medium to wide surfaces like fettuccine or penne help scoop up that delicious sauce.
Serving Suggestions
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Garlic bread or crusty rolls to mop up sauce
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Light salad with lime vinaigrette to balance richness
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Roasted greens like broccoli or asparagus
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Sautéed mushrooms or zucchini
Why This Recipe Works
This dish hits the perfect balance: tantalizing spice, rich creaminess, vibrant seafood, and speedy prep. It checks all the dizzying boxes of modern cooking needs—fast, family-friendly, flavorful, freezer-friendly, and inclusive.
