Creamy Cajun shrimp pasta is a fast and easy meal. It has pasta, shrimp, and a creamy sauce with Cajun spices. You can make it quickly, and it tastes good every time.
Why We Love This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
There’s something irresistible about creamy pasta, but when you add Cajun shrimp to the mix, it takes things to a whole new level. You’ll love this dish because it strikes the perfect balance between heat and creaminess. The shrimp are seared just right—tender on the inside with a slightly crisp outside, flavored beautifully with garlic, paprika, and Cajun spices.
Another reason this recipe stands out is how adaptable it is. You can switch up the pasta, add some vegetables, or make it extra saucy—it’s always delicious. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means easy cooking and even easier cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for your family or trying to impress a guest, this pasta will not disappoint.
Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
To bring this creamy Cajun pasta to life, you’ll need simple ingredients that work together to create big flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for a batch that serves four people:
- 500 g (1 lb) pasta of your choice
- 500 g (1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons crushed fresh garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (from boiling pasta)
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or oregano
How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Directions
You don’t need a ton of experience in the kitchen to whip up this creamy pasta dish. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a satisfying dinner in no time.
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt. This helps flavor your pasta from the inside out. Once the water is boiling, add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. Stop when it’s al dente—firm but cooked through. Before you drain the pasta, scoop out about a cup of the pasta water and set it aside. This starchy liquid is your secret weapon for making the sauce silky and smooth.
Now, let’s prepare the shrimp. Place them in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add half the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, chili flakes, and oregano, plus a little salt. Toss everything together until the shrimp are well-coated. You want each one to have a good amount of spice.
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Sear them for about a minute on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside for later.
Using the same pan, melt the butter. Add the crushed garlic and stir it around for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the remaining spices and let them toast slightly in the butter for another 30 seconds. This step deepens the flavor.
Pour in the cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. If your sauce feels too thick, slowly add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Season the cream sauce with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Now, return the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat them in the sauce. Let everything heat through for another minute or two.
Finally, add your cooked pasta directly into the pan. Toss it all together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. If it looks a little dry, you can add another splash of that pasta water. Garnish with parsley or oregano if you like a pop of green.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
You’ve just made something rich, flavorful, and full of personality—now it’s time to serve it right. This pasta is best served hot, straight from the skillet to the plate. Use shallow bowls if you can, as they help keep the sauce evenly distributed.
Top each portion with a few extra shrimp for presentation, and sprinkle a little chopped parsley over the top for color and freshness. If you want to add texture, a side of toasted bread or garlic knots pairs beautifully.
This dish also works great as a main course on its own. You don’t need any fancy side dishes—just a simple salad with a light dressing is more than enough to round it out. The spicy kick from the Cajun shrimp and the creamy pasta will keep you reaching for another bite.
Expert Tips: Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Use raw, not pre-cooked shrimp. This gives you more control over texture and flavor. Pre-cooked shrimp tend to get rubbery when reheated.
- Don’t skip the reserved pasta water. It’s rich in starch and helps your sauce cling to the pasta like a pro.
- Toast your spices. When you add your seasonings to the butter, even for a few seconds, it unlocks deeper layers of flavor.
- Add lemon juice at the end. It brightens the dish and balances out the richness from the cream.
- Cook pasta just al dente. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy in a creamy sauce. You want it firm so it holds its shape.
How to Store Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
If you’ve got leftovers, no worries—this pasta stores surprisingly well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When reheating, it’s best to do so gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or a little cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating is okay too, just be sure to cover it and stir halfway through to avoid drying out the pasta or overcooking the shrimp.
We don’t recommend freezing this dish because the cream sauce can separate and change texture when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh, or within a few days.
Variation of Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
This recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, but you can easily tweak it to match your preferences or pantry.
- Make it spicy: Add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Add vegetables: Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms blend well with the Cajun flavors.
- Use different protein: Swap shrimp for chicken or a plant-based meat alternative for a different twist.
- Try a new pasta shape: While fettuccine and penne work great, shells or rotini also hold the sauce nicely.
- Go dairy-free: Use a plant-based cream substitute and dairy-free butter to keep the richness while making it suitable for non-dairy eaters.
With this kind of flexibility, you can turn one base recipe into several exciting versions.
FAQ about Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
What makes Cajun shrimp pasta creamy?
The creaminess comes from heavy cream, butter, and a little reserved pasta water. These ingredients blend with the seasonings to create a smooth, rich sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
Can I make this pasta less spicy?
Yes, you can reduce the chili flakes or use a milder Cajun seasoning. The cream already helps soften the spice, but adjusting the seasoning gives you full control.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Fettuccine, linguine, penne, or rigatoni work beautifully because they hold the creamy sauce well. Choose a shape that you like and that has a bit of surface area for the sauce to cling to.
How do I keep the shrimp from overcooking?
Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and slightly firm—about 1 minute per side. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so remove them from the heat as soon as they’re done.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
It can be, but it’s best eaten fresh. If prepping ahead, store the shrimp separately from the pasta and sauce, and mix everything together just before reheating.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps them sear nicely in the pan without releasing too much water.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 500 g pasta of your choice
- 500 g shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons crushed fresh garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1-2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (from boiling pasta)
- Optional garnish fresh parsley or oregano
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil, half of the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, chili flakes, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat.
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and sear for about 1 minute on each side until golden brown. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter. Add crushed garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add remaining spices and toast for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. If too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached. Let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season sauce with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Return shrimp to the pan and toss to coat. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta directly into the pan and toss until fully coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with parsley or oregano if desired.
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