Cajun Shrimp Pasta
A creamy and flavorful dish combining shrimp and spices for an impressive yet easy meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta Use any favorite pasta shape.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined Choose fresh or properly thawed shrimp.
- 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste for spice level.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped Adds sweetness.
- 1 each bell pepper, diced Any color.
- 1 cup heavy cream For a rich sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Melts into sauce for creaminess.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season to preference.
- for serving Lemon wedges Adds brightness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through.
- Stir in the diced bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Reduce heat to low, pour in the heavy cream, and mix well. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, then gradually add the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Toss the drained pasta with the sauce in the skillet. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Pro Tips for Perfect Results: Opt for fresh shrimp, customize spice levels, avoid overcooking pasta, and consider different cheeses for richness.