Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is one of our favorite meals! It's easy to make with seasoned shrimp, veggies, tender pasta and a creamy sauce. With simple ingredients, in just 30 minutes you'll have a quick, incredibly delicious dinner the whole family will enjoy!

Course Main

Cuisine cajun

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 774

Author Kim

Ingredients

1 pound pasta (rigatoni, spaghetti, penne or any other favorite)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound raw shrimp deveined and tails removed
1 red bell pepper finely diced
1 shallot minced
2/3 cup canned diced tomatoes
2 1/2 teaspoons cajun seasoning* divided
3/4 cup heavy cream**
reserved pasta cooking water as needed

Instructions

Prep and measure out all of the ingredients. Cook the pasta in boiling, salted water. Drain, reserving about 1/3 cup of the cooking water. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning and sauté briefly until just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove to a plate and keep warm.
Add the remaining olive oil to the pan as well as the shallot and red pepper. Sauté until soft then reduce heat to medium and add the diced tomatoes and cream. Stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cajun seasoning and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any food that is stuck to the bottom.
Once cream starts to bubble, reduce heat to low. Let sauce simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken and then add your pasta and shrimp back in and stir to coat. Taste and season as needed. If sauce needs to be thinned, add a splash of the pasta cooking water. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Video

Notes

*If you are sensitive to salty foods, you may want to use less than 2 1/2 teaspoons of cajun seasoning. It can be quite salty, depending on the brand you are using.

**Sub with half and half or whole milk, if preferred.

This cajun shrimp pasta is best served fresh for the best flavor and texture. However, leftovers can be stored and enjoyed for a few days after cooking. Here are some tips for storing and reheating:

In the refrigerator. Stored properly in an airtight container, leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to about 3 days.
Reheating. Rewarm in a pan on the stove with a splash of olive oil or broth to keep the pasta moist. You can also reheat in the microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition