Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Spicy Cajun shrimp pasta is a bold and creamy dish loaded with tender shrimp, zesty Cajun seasoning, and a rich, garlicky sauce. I love making this when I want something indulgent, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love the mix of spicy shrimp and creamy pasta—it’s comforting with a kick. This recipe is fast, delicious, and tastes like something from a restaurant. It’s great for date night, entertaining, or treating myself.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Shrimp, peeled and deveined

• Cajun seasoning

• Olive oil or butter

• Garlic, minced

• Heavy cream

• Parmesan cheese

• Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)

• Salt and pepper

• Optional: red pepper flakes, parsley

Directions

1. I cook the pasta until al dente and reserve some pasta water.

2. I season the shrimp with Cajun spices.

3. I sauté the shrimp in oil or butter until pink, then set them aside.

4. I add garlic to the pan, then pour in cream and simmer.

5. I stir in parmesan and return the shrimp to the sauce.

6. I toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, thinning with reserved pasta water if needed.

7. I serve with parsley and extra Cajun seasoning on top.

Servings and timing

Serves 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

I’ve added spinach, mushrooms, or andouille sausage for more depth. I sometimes use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of cream or water.

FAQs

Is this really spicy?

It depends on the Cajun blend—I adjust the spice to my taste.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I thaw and pat them dry first.

What’s the best pasta for this?

I like fettuccine or penne—they hold the sauce well.

Can I make it dairy-free?

I’ve used coconut cream and dairy-free parmesan with good results.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, I just make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the shrimp.

Conclusion

Spicy Cajun shrimp pasta is creamy, bold, and totally satisfying. I love how fast it comes together—and how every bite is packed with flavor.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

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Spicy Cajun shrimp pasta is a bold and creamy dish loaded with tender shrimp, zesty Cajun seasoning, and a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or an impressive date night meal.

• Author: Mayaa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Dinner, Main Course
• Method: Sautéing, Boiling
• Cuisine: Cajun, American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2–3 tsp Cajun seasoning (to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
2. Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning.
3. In a large skillet, heat oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
4. Add minced garlic to the same pan and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Pour in heavy cream, reduce heat, and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Return shrimp to the skillet. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix until coated, adding reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and extra Cajun seasoning if desired.

Notes

• Adjust Cajun seasoning or add red pepper flakes to control heat level.
• Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce or use coconut cream for dairy-free.
• Add spinach, mushrooms, or andouille sausage for variation.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of cream or water.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook shrimp in batches if doubling the recipe.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 200mg