Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Name: Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine pasta; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 2 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Cheesy Goodness

I absolutely love this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between spicy and creamy. The vibrant Cajun spices blend beautifully with succulent shrimp, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet comforting. As I prepare this dish, I find that using freshly cooked pasta adds an incredible texture that clings to the sauce. It's a perfect meal for a cozy dinner or impressing friends at a gathering. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will make a regular appearance in your kitchen!

Created by

Mia

Last updated on 2026-02-24T16:10:18.626Z

When I first experimented with adding Cajun spices to a creamy pasta dish, I was blown away by how the flavors melded together. The key is to let the spices bloom in the butter before adding the cream, which enhances their warmth and depth. This technique ensures every bite is bursting with flavor, and it takes the dish to a whole new level.

I also learned that using a splash of pasta cooking water when mixing everything helps create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles perfectly. It transforms the dish, making it feel like something you'd find in a fine dining restaurant, but it’s easy enough for a weeknight meal!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bold Cajun flavor that tantalizes the taste buds
Creamy sauce that perfectly coats every piece of pasta
Quick and easy to prepare for any day of the week

About the Ingredients

The shrimp in this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta are the stars of the dish. Opt for large, succulent shrimp, as their size enhances the dish's overall presentation and texture. When seasoning the shrimp with Cajun spices, don’t be shy; the seasoning not only adds flavor but also changes the shrimp’s color to a beautiful pink. If fresh shrimp isn’t available, frozen shrimp will work too—just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even seasoning.

Heavy cream serves as the base for your sauce, providing that rich and luxurious texture that balances the heat of the Cajun seasoning. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative, but keep in mind that this will alter the sauce's creaminess. Make sure to simmer the cream gently so it thickens properly without separating, which can happen if it boils too vigorously.

Cooking Techniques

Cooking the pasta to al dente is crucial in this recipe, as it allows the pasta to hold onto the creamy sauce better. Ideally, follow the package instructions for timing, but start tasting a minute before the recommended time to avoid overcooking. If you accidentally go over, don’t fret; simply toss the pasta in a bit of olive oil to prevent it from sticking while you prepare the sauce.

When sautéing the shrimp, get your skillet to a medium-high heat before adding the shrimp; this ensures a quick, even cooking. You want the shrimp to turn a lovely pink without becoming rubbery—3 to 4 minutes is the sweet spot. If you find any shrimp slightly overcooked, reducing the heat while removing them from the skillet quickly can help create a more tender texture.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

To enhance the dish’s appearance and freshness, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. This brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of the creamy sauce. Pairing the dish with a simple side salad or garlic bread can round out the meal, making it satisfying without overwhelming the palate.

Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers, which can be sautéed along with the garlic to add color and nutrients. If you’re avoiding seafood, you can easily substitute the shrimp with grilled chicken or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable:

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine pasta
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped before starting to cook for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Prepare the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and Cajun seasoning, and sauté until shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper.

Combine

Add cooked fettuccine and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta!

For best results, serve hot and enjoy with a side of garlic bread!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce. This dish also pairs well with a light salad on the side.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta can be prepped in advance for even quicker meal prep during busy weekdays. Cook the pasta and shrimp separately, then store them in airtight containers. The sauce can also be made ahead of time; just make sure to reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of water to bring it back to the right consistency before mixing it with the pasta and shrimp.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a bit of cream or reserved pasta water to avoid the dish becoming too dry. You can also microwave it, but be sure to do so in short intervals to maintain the creamy texture without separating.

Potential Troubleshooting

If your cream sauce appears too thin, simply let it simmer on low heat for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken up. Make it thick enough so it clings to the pasta without pooling at the bottom of the bowl. Conversely, if it’s too thick, a little more cream or reserved pasta water will help you achieve that desired consistency.

For those who find the dish too spicy, you can balance it out by stirring in a bit more heavy cream, which will dilute the heat. Alternatively, adding more grated Parmesan cheese can also help mellow the spicy notes while enriching the flavor.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up or down is straightforward. For every additional serving, simply increase the amount of shrimp and pasta proportionally. If you’re cooking for a crowd, consider preparing the sauce in a larger pot to accommodate increased volume, allowing for easier mixing with the pasta and shrimp afterward.

If you need to scale down the recipe, keep in mind that cooking times for the shrimp may need to be adjusted slightly, so keep an eye on their color and texture to prevent overcooking. It’s always best to test doneness rather than strictly adhering to time when adjusting recipe quantities.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is great, you can substitute with penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

→ Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! Increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add red pepper flakes to get your desired level of heat.

→ Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

You can replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative for a dairy-free version.