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Want a delicious dinner that’s quick and easy? Try Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta! This dish combines the bold taste of Cajun spices with a creamy pasta sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. This recipe is simple to follow and you can customize it to your liking!
A Taste of Louisiana: Cajun Cuisine and Sustainable Shrimp
Cajun cuisine comes from Louisiana. It’s known for its use of spices and flavorful ingredients. Cajun Shrimp Pasta takes inspiration from this style of cooking by using Cajun seasoning.
When making this dish, it’s important to choose your shrimp carefully. Look for sustainable shrimp to help protect the ocean. Certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) can help you identify sustainable options.
Note: The information about Cajun cuisine and sustainable shrimp is not directly from the sources. You may want to research these topics further.
What You’ll Need
For the Pasta and Shrimp:
- 8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (21-25 count recommended)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided (we’ll talk about spice levels later)
For the Sauce:
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fire-roasted tomatoes add a delicious smoky flavor!)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (or half and half for a lighter sauce)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
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Let’s Get Cooking!
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water with a tablespoon of salt. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions. Drain the pasta but save some of the pasta water.
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, mix the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Melt the butter in the skillet. Add the onion and cook until it’s soft, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle flour and the remaining Cajun seasoning over the onion and garlic. Cook for a minute, stirring constantly. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any flavorful bits. Cook until the sauce reduces by half.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the tomatoes and heavy cream.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese melts and the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Add the Shrimp: Gently stir in the cooked shrimp.
- Serve: Top with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish.
Tips from the Experts
- Choosing Shrimp: Pick shrimp that are firm and smell like the ocean, not fishy. Large shrimp are best for this recipe.
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly! They are done when they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. If they look like an “O,” they are overcooked and will be tough.
- Smooth Sauce: To prevent the sauce from curdling, keep the heat low while simmering. If your sauce seems watery, simmer it longer or add a bit more cheese.
- Cheese Tip: Grate your Parmesan cheese with a Microplane grater. It will melt quickly and create a smooth sauce.
- Spice It Up: You can control the heat of the dish. Start with a small amount of Cajun seasoning and add more to taste. If you want it less spicy, use less cayenne pepper in your seasoning blend.
- Veggies are Welcome: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the pasta. Onions, bell peppers, asparagus, and mushrooms all taste great in this dish!
Enjoy!
You can now impress your family and friends with this amazing Cajun Shrimp Pasta. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!