Go Back
A close-up of a serving of Cajun shrimp pasta with creamy sauce and herbs.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe is a delicious and easy dish featuring succulent shrimp, tender pasta, and a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce. It's perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 ounces linguine or fettuccine
Shrimp
  • 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Cajun Seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
Vegetables
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
Sauce
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Spicy Kick
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • to taste hot sauce optional

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • colander

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain it and set aside.
  2. Pat the shrimp dry and season with Cajun seasoning.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the seasoned shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell peppers, cooking until softened.
  5. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and red pepper flakes (if using) and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. Reduce the heat, add the Parmesan cheese, and stir until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
  7. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sauce along with the cooked pasta, and toss to combine and coat everything evenly.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, adding hot sauce if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can marinate the shrimp in the Cajun seasoning for 15-30 minutes before cooking. Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.