Experience the irresistible flavors of Cajun Shrimp Pasta Delight. This mouthwatering dish combines perfectly cooked penne pasta with seasoned shrimp in a creamy, Parmesan-laden sauce. With a hint of spice and a burst of creamy goodness, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Get ready to savor the Cajun flavors and indulge in a pasta dish that will leave you craving more.
In our household, Cajun Shrimp Pasta has become a beloved recipe. The first time I made it, the aroma of the cajun seasoning filled the kitchen, and the combination of perfectly cooked shrimp and creamy sauce was an instant hit. My family couldn’t get enough! We’ve enjoyed this dish on special occasions and lazy weekends alike. The flavors and textures create a symphony in every bite, transporting us to the vibrant streets of New Orleans. It has truly become a staple in our home, and I’m excited to share this recipe with you.
Irresistible Cajun Shrimp Pasta with a creamy Parmesan sauce.
Why this Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a Flavorful Delight ?
- Seasoned shrimp with homemade Cajun seasoning brings a perfect balance of flavors and a touch of spice.
- Creamy, Parmesan-laden sauce coats every bite, providing a rich and satisfying experience.
- The combination of penne pasta and shrimp creates a delightful texture contrast.
- The use of high-quality Parmesan cheese ensures a smooth and velvety sauce.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 8 ounces penne pasta (226 grams)
- 1 pound raw shrimp, deveined, cleaned, tail removed (454 grams)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (Note: Adjust quantity if using store-bought seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated from a block (a microplane works best) (56 grams)
How to Make Irresistible Cajun Shrimp Pasta ?
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add salt. Cook the penne pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve at least 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a bowl, combine the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and olive oil. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and let it melt. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook until golden brown on each side, turning them only once. If needed, cook the shrimp in two batches to ensure they cook evenly. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a clean plate and reduce the heat to medium-low.
Add the heavy cream to the skillet and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any bits stuck to the surface. Allow the cream to bubble. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. If the sauce needs to be thinned, add pasta water one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
Notes:
- For the Cajun seasoning, you can use homemade or store-bought. Adjust the quantity of store-bought seasoning to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Using high-quality Parmesan cheese from a block will ensure a smooth and creamy sauce. Pre-grated or imitation Parmesan may not melt as nicely.
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Cajun Shrimp Pasta Delight. This recipe brings together the vibrant spices of Cajun seasoning, perfectly cooked shrimp, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. The result is a harmonious dish that will transport your taste buds to the lively streets of New Orleans. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this Cajun Shrimp Pasta is sure to impress. Enjoy the delectable combination of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more with every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions:
While it’s recommended to use raw shrimp for this recipe, you can use pre-cooked shrimp if that’s what you have on hand. Keep in mind that pre-cooked shrimp may not absorb the flavors of the Cajun seasoning as well as raw shrimp.
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute part or all of the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less rich and creamy.
Absolutely! If you’d like to make a vegetarian version, you can substitute the shrimp with vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables with Cajun seasoning until tender and proceed with the rest of the recipe.
Certainly! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning used or opt for a mild Cajun seasoning blend. On the other hand, if you enjoy a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Cajun Shrimp Pasta Delight
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 8 ounces penne pasta 226 grams
- 1 pound raw shrimp deveined, cleaned, tail removed (454 grams)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Note: Adjust quantity if using store-bought seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated from a block (a microplane works best) (56 grams)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add salt. Cook the penne pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve at least 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a bowl, combine the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and olive oil. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and let it melt. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook until golden brown on each side, turning them only once. If needed, cook the shrimp in two batches to ensure they cook evenly. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a clean plate and reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any bits stuck to the surface. Allow the cream to bubble. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. If the sauce needs to be thinned, add pasta water one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
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