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Cajun Shrimp Pasta – Creamy, Spicy, and Weeknight-Friendly

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • 2–3 tsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade), plus more to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, boosts smoky flavor)
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Method
 

  1. Season the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry. Toss with 1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Cook the pasta: Boil in well-salted water until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
  3. Sear the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until just opaque. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Sauté aromatics: Lower heat to medium. Add remaining oil and butter. Cook onion and bell pepper until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
  5. Build the sauce: Pour in broth and scrape up browned bits. Simmer 1 minute. Stir in cream and remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer gently 2–3 minutes to thicken.
  6. Add cheese and lemon: Off heat, stir in Parmesan until melted. Add lemon zest and a squeeze of juice. Taste and adjust salt and spice.
  7. Toss with pasta: Add pasta to the skillet. Loosen with splashes of reserved pasta water until the sauce coats every strand.
  8. Finish with shrimp: Return shrimp and any juices to the pan. Warm through 1 minute. Sprinkle parsley or green onions. Add red pepper flakes if you like extra heat.
  9. Serve: Twist onto plates, top with more Parmesan, and finish with a final squeeze of lemon if desired.