Cajun Shrimp Pasta Delight (Printer-Friendly)
Spiced shrimp, creamy sauce, and pasta come together for a comforting, flavor-packed, weeknight-friendly meal.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
12 ounces dry linguine or spaghetti
→ Cajun Seasoning Blend
02 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 -
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
04 -
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
05 -
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
06 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 -
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, plus more to taste
09 -
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 -
1/2 teaspoon table salt, plus more for pasta water
→ Shrimp
11 -
1 pound extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined, patted dry
→ For Cooking
12 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
13 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
14 -
1 small yellow onion, diced
15 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
16 -
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
17 -
3/4 cup chicken broth
18 -
1 (14.5-ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes, drained
19 -
3/4 cup heavy cream
20 -
3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add linguine or spaghetti. Cook according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside; toss with a teaspoon of olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
02 -
In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir until uniform. Reserve 1 teaspoon of seasoning for the sauce.
03 -
Add shrimp to a large resealable bag or bowl. Sprinkle remaining Cajun seasoning over the shrimp and toss or shake until evenly coated.
04 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Arrange shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side, turning once, until just pink and lightly browned. Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate.
05 -
Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in diced onion and sauté 3–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
06 -
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, but not browned.
07 -
Sprinkle flour and reserved Cajun seasoning over the onion and garlic. Mix thoroughly and let the flour toast for 1 minute until fully absorbed and lightly golden.
08 -
Gradually pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Allow to simmer and reduce by half.
09 -
Stir in drained fire roasted tomatoes and cook for 1 minute, mixing well to distribute evenly.
10 -
Pour in heavy cream and gently stir until sauce is cohesive and silky.
11 -
Add cooked pasta and grated parmesan to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat noodles in the sauce. Return shrimp and juices to the pan, gently combine, and warm through for 1 minute.
12 -
Divide among warm bowls. Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
For extra creaminess, finish with a splash of cream right before serving. Adjust cayenne to preferred spice level. Pat shrimp very dry before cooking for best caramelization.