Go Back
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined) - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach leaves - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish To make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, you need a mix of fresh and flavorful ingredients. First, I use fettuccine pasta for its rich, creamy texture. It holds the sauce well, making every bite a delight. Next, the shrimp is the star of the dish. I always choose fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp. It saves time and makes cooking easier. The Cajun seasoning adds a kick that makes this meal special. Just two tablespoons gives a nice balance of heat and flavor. The creamy sauce is key to this dish. I use heavy cream and chicken broth to create that smooth texture you crave. Minced garlic adds depth of flavor, while cherry tomatoes and spinach bring freshness. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. Finally, I love to garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley. They add a perfect touch. This list covers all you need for a flavorful dinner delight! {{ingredient_image_1}} Boiling Water Tips Start with a big pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Use about one tablespoon of salt for every gallon of water. This helps season the pasta well. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the fettuccine. Achieving Al Dente Cook the fettuccine according to the package. Aim for about 8 to 10 minutes. Test it a minute or two before it’s done. You want it firm to the bite but not hard. Drain the pasta, but save a little water just in case. Seasoning Techniques In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Make sure each shrimp gets a good coat. This adds a lot of flavor. You can use more or less seasoning based on your taste. Cooking Time Insights Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Look for a pink color to show they are done. Remove them from the skillet and set aside. Sautéing Garlic and Deglazing In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Sauté for one minute until it smells great. Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to mix in all the flavor. Combining Ingredients for Creaminess Next, stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. This thickens the sauce a bit. Then, add halved cherry tomatoes and spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts. Return the shrimp to the skillet, mixing everything well. Tossing Everything Together Add the cooked fettuccine directly to the skillet. Toss everything together until well mixed. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Presentation Tips Serve the pasta in large bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. For a pop of color, add a slice of lemon on the side. Enjoy your meal! Avoiding Overcooking: Shrimp cooks fast. Aim for 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat. They should be pink and firm. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery and lose flavor. Watch them closely. Best Types of Shrimp: I prefer large shrimp for this dish. They offer a nice bite and hold up well in sauces. Look for shrimp that are peeled and deveined for ease. Fresh or frozen both work. Adjusting Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. You want a nice, creamy texture that clings to the pasta. Alternative Creamy Ingredients: You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt. This can change the flavor a bit, but it still tastes great. Just remember, these options may not be as rich. Additional Seasonings to Consider: Experiment with smoked paprika or cayenne for extra heat. A pinch of lemon zest can brighten the dish. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance of flavors. Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Chopped parsley adds a fresh touch. You can also use basil or cilantro for a different flavor. Fresh herbs elevate the dish and make it look beautiful on the plate. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh shrimp instead of frozen. If using frozen, ensure they are properly thawed before cooking. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference. Start with less and add more gradually if you like it spicy! Perfectly Cooked Pasta: To prevent overcooking, make sure to test the fettuccine a minute before the package's recommended cooking time for that perfect al dente bite. Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the garnish! A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice enhance the dish's flavor and brighten up its presentation. {{image_2}} Chicken Alternatives You can swap shrimp for chicken if you prefer. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and season with Cajun spice. Cook them the same way as the shrimp, ensuring they reach 165°F for safety. Vegetarian Options If you want to make this dish vegetarian, try using mushrooms or tofu. Both options take on flavors well. Sauté sliced mushrooms until golden or cubed tofu until crispy. This keeps the dish rich and satisfying without meat. Gluten-Free Choices For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great substitutes that taste good and hold sauce well. Look for brown rice or chickpea pasta for added nutrition. Other Pasta Shapes Fettuccine is a classic choice, but you can use other shapes too. Penne or linguine work well and can add a fun twist. Try whole wheat or spinach pasta for added flavor and color. Adding Different Vegetables Feel free to mix in other veggies! Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus add color and crunch. Simply sauté them with garlic before adding the cream. This boosts nutrition and flavor. Spice Level Adjustments Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes. Mix in some diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Adjust the spice to fit your taste and enjoy the warmth! To keep your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta fresh, follow these tips. First, let the dish cool to room temperature. Then, store it in the fridge within two hours. Place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent any odors from other foods. Use glass or plastic containers that seal well. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, you have a few options. If you choose the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it moist. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This ensures even warming. For stovetop reheating, use a skillet over low heat. Add a bit of oil or broth to the pan. Stir the pasta gently, allowing it to warm through. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date. This way, you'll know how long it's been stored. When you’re ready to eat, defrost the pasta in the fridge overnight. For a quicker method, use the microwave on the defrost setting. Once thawed, reheat it using one of the methods mentioned above. Enjoy your flavorful meal again! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cooking the pasta and sauce in advance saves you time. - Preparing in Advance: Cook the pasta and shrimp. Keep them separate from the sauce. This helps keep everything fresh. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days. - Best Storage Practices: Use glass or plastic containers. Make sure to cool everything before sealing. This keeps the food safe and fresh. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, use half-and-half or coconut milk. This keeps the dish creamy. - Alternative Ingredients: You can also use Greek yogurt or cashew cream for a lighter option. Each will change the flavor a bit, but they still work well. - Impact on Texture and Flavor: Half-and-half will make it less rich. Coconut milk adds a slight coconut taste. Greek yogurt makes it tangy, which can be nice. Cajun seasoning has a moderate spice level. It's flavorful but not too hot for most people. - Spice Level Overview: The heat comes from spices like cayenne pepper. Most blends have a good balance of spices that make it tasty without overwhelming heat. - Adjusting for Heat Preferences: If you want less heat, use less Cajun seasoning. You can also add a bit of sugar to balance the flavors. For more heat, add extra seasoning or some hot sauce. This post covered how to make a delicious Cajun shrimp pasta dish. You learned about essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips. I shared variations to keep your meals exciting and storage tips for your leftovers. Cooking can be fun and simple. With practice, you can impress anyone with this dish. Enjoy your cooking journey and taste the rewards of your hard work!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring Cajun-seasoned shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach leaves
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until well coated.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Add the cherry tomatoes and spinach to the sauce, cooking until the spinach wilts. Then, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
  • Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Plate the pasta and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Notes

Serve in large bowls with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a slice of lemon on the side for a pop of color.
Keyword Cajun, creamy, pasta, shrimp