Easy & Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this incredibly easy and exceptionally flavorful Cajun Shrimp Pasta. This dish is a true celebration of bold flavors, combining succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp, tender pasta, and a luxuriously rich Parmesan cream sauce infused with an aromatic homemade Cajun seasoning. It’s the kind of meal that brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table, proving that gourmet taste doesn’t have to mean complicated cooking. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight solution or an impressive dish for guests, this creamy Cajun shrimp pasta is guaranteed to be a hit.

Bowl of Cajun Shrimp Pasta with serving spoons on the side

Why This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe Works Wonders

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a testament to achieving the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in under an hour. We’ve meticulously crafted this recipe to strike an ideal balance between the fiery kick of authentic Cajun spices and the smooth, comforting richness of a Parmesan cream sauce. Every forkful offers a delightful experience: the bold, aromatic warmth of our recommended homemade Cajun seasoning, the satisfying chew of perfectly cooked pasta, and the juicy tenderness of shrimp, all bathed in a decadent sauce. What truly makes this recipe shine is its simplicity and speed without compromising on depth of flavor. It’s an elevated shrimp pasta dish that feels indulgent yet is remarkably easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or when you crave something truly special.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta on a fork held above a bowl of Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Crafting this delicious Cajun shrimp pasta requires a handful of key ingredients that come together to create its signature creamy, spicy profile. While you can find a detailed, printable version of this recipe with all precise measurements and instructions at the end of this post, let’s briefly go over the star components that make this dish so special. Quality ingredients are the foundation of any great meal, and this recipe is no exception. Pay attention to selecting fresh shrimp and a good quality heavy cream for the best results, ensuring a truly authentic and satisfying experience.

Detailed Ingredient Information and Smart Substitution Suggestions

To ensure your Cajun Shrimp Pasta turns out perfectly every time, here’s a closer look at the key ingredients and some helpful tips for choosing the best or making smart substitutions:

SHRIMP: The star of the show! You have the flexibility to use either frozen or fresh shrimp. If opting for frozen, it’s crucial to allow them to thaw completely before you start cooking. Patting them thoroughly dry with paper towels is essential to achieve a beautiful sear and prevent them from steaming in the pan. We recommend using medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined, with tails removed for easier eating. Look for “grilling shrimp” at your local seafood counter, which are often perfectly sized for this type of dish.
PASTA: While penne pasta is our preferred choice for this particular recipe due to its ability to hold the rich cream sauce wonderfully in its ridges, feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shapes. Excellent short pasta alternatives include ziti, rigatoni, fusilli, and cavatappi. These shapes also have nooks and crannies that trap the sauce beautifully. If you’re a fan of long noodles, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even delicate angel hair pasta would work perfectly, creating a different but equally delicious texture. Just ensure you cook your pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce.
SEASONING: The heart and soul of the Cajun flavor! We cannot stress enough the importance of using a high-quality Cajun seasoning. For an unparalleled taste, we enthusiastically recommend using our homemade Cajun seasoning. Not only is it incredibly quick to whip up, but it also delivers a vibrant, powerful flavor that store-bought versions often lack. Plus, having a batch on hand means you can elevate countless other recipes. If using a store-bought blend, check its sodium content and adjust any additional salt accordingly.
HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM: This is what gives our pasta its irresistible creaminess. Full-fat heavy cream is best for richness and texture. Half-and-half can be used for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as thick or luxurious.
PARMESAN CHEESE: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts smoothly and adds a salty, umami depth to the cream sauce. Pre-grated cheese can sometimes contain anti-caking agents that affect meltability, so grating your own is always recommended for the best results.
OLIVE OIL: Used for sautéing the shrimp and forming the base of the sauce. Any good quality olive oil will do.
GARLIC SALT & BLACK PEPPER: These are for seasoning the cream sauce to taste. Remember that your Cajun seasoning already contains salt and sometimes garlic powder, so taste as you go and adjust carefully.
CORNSTARCH & WATER (for slurry): This simple slurry is our secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency, ensuring it beautifully coats every strand of pasta and piece of shrimp without being too thin or too thick.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this delicious recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with precise measurements and instructions, simply jump to the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

Prepare the Pasta: Begin by cooking your chosen pasta (we recommend penne) according to the package directions. Cook until al dente, then drain it thoroughly and set it aside. A little pasta water can be reserved if you like, just in case you need to thin the sauce slightly later.
Season the Shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, in a large bowl, toss the raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp with half of the Cajun seasoning and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Ensure each shrimp is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
Sear the Shrimp: Heat the remaining olive oil in a large, deep-sided skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side until they are pink, opaque, and beautifully curled. Once cooked, remove the shrimp and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate or pan to absorb excess oil, then set aside.
Build the Cream Sauce Base: In the same skillet, with all the flavorful drippings and oil from the shrimp, pour in the heavy cream. Whisk vigorously to deglaze the pan and incorporate any browned bits, which add immense depth of flavor to your sauce. Season the cream with garlic salt (to taste), the remaining Cajun seasoning, and black pepper (to taste). Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning carefully, as Cajun seasoning can already be quite salty.
Melt the Parmesan: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to whisk until the cheese has completely melted into the cream sauce, creating a smooth and luscious texture. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Thicken the Sauce: To achieve a thicker, more clinging sauce, prepare a slurry by whisking together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Gradually whisk this slurry into the simmering sauce in the skillet. Continue to cook for an additional 2-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Combine and Serve: Finally, add the cooked pasta and the seared shrimp back into the skillet with the creamy Cajun sauce. Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta and shrimp are thoroughly coated in the rich, flavorful sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade creamy Cajun shrimp pasta!

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfection

Get ready to master this Cajun Shrimp Pasta with these helpful insights and answers to common questions:

How do you know when shrimp is done cooking?

Shrimp cooks remarkably fast, which also means it can easily be overcooked and become rubbery. To tell if your shrimp is perfectly cooked, observe its appearance: it will curl into a loose “C” shape and turn from translucent grey to an opaque pink with vibrant red hues. If it curls tightly into an “O” shape, it’s likely overcooked. The texture should be firm yet tender, not tough or chewy.

How do you store leftover Cajun shrimp pasta?

Store any leftover Cajun shrimp pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, the pasta tends to absorb a lot of the sauce, making it thicker. To revive its creamy texture, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You might need to add a splash of water, milk, or a little extra heavy cream to loosen it back up and restore its original creaminess. Avoid microwaving at high heat, as this can easily overcook the shrimp and dry out the sauce.

Can I add vegetables to this Cajun shrimp pasta?

Absolutely! This dish is very versatile. You can sauté finely diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), onions, and celery (the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking) in the skillet before adding the heavy cream. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sliced mushrooms would also make excellent additions. Add quick-cooking vegetables like spinach at the very end when you combine the pasta and shrimp.

How can I adjust the spice level?

The spice level largely depends on your Cajun seasoning. For a milder dish, use less Cajun seasoning and skip any extra cayenne pepper. For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your homemade seasoning blend or directly to the sauce. A dash of hot sauce at the end can also ramp up the heat without altering the recipe too much.

Can I use a different protein instead of shrimp?

Yes, chicken is a fantastic substitute! Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces, season them with Cajun seasoning, and cook them in the skillet until browned and cooked through before proceeding with the sauce. Sausage, particularly Andouille sausage, would also be a delicious and authentic Cajun addition.

Close up photo of Cajun Shrimp Pasta with a fork

Delightful Serving Suggestions for Your Cajun Shrimp Pasta

While this creamy Cajun shrimp pasta is incredibly hearty and satisfying on its own, pairing it with a few complementary sides can elevate your meal even further. Consider serving it with crusty bread or garlic bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the exquisite Parmesan cream sauce. A crisp, fresh dinner salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. For garnishes, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a generous dusting of extra grated Parmesan cheese not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the overall flavor. Don’t forget a glass of crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied beer to complete this delightful dining experience.

Explore More Delicious Related Recipes

If you loved this Cajun Shrimp Pasta, you might enjoy these other fantastic seafood and pasta dishes:

Spicy Cajun Shrimp
Classic Shrimp Alfredo
Garlicky Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Fresh Shrimp Pesto Pasta

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Cajun Shrimp Pasta

This creamy Cajun shrimp pasta brings together the comforting warmth of bold Cajun seasoning, a rich Parmesan cream sauce, and tender shrimp, all nestled in a bed of delicious penne pasta. It’s an unforgettable dish that’s surprisingly easy to make!

5 from 4 votes

IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

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Course:
Dinner

Cuisine:
American

Servings:

4
servings

35
minutes

Calories:
815

Author:

Amanda Davis

Ingredients

▢

½
pound
penne pasta
▢

1
pound
raw grilling shrimp
peeled, deveined, tails removed
▢

1 ½
Tablespoons

homemade Cajun seasoning

divided
▢

3
Tablespoons
olive oil
divided
▢

2
cups
heavy whipping cream
▢

garlic salt
to taste. see note below
▢

black pepper
to taste
▢

3
Tablespoons
grated parmesan cheese
▢

2
Teaspoons
cornstarch
▢

¼
cup
water

Things You’ll Need

▢

Large deep sided skillet
▢

Large mixing bowl
▢

Vinyl gloves

Before You Begin

Please note that both pre-bottled and our homemade Cajun seasoning already contain salt. Therefore, taste the sauce before adding extra garlic salt to avoid over-salting.
Whether using frozen or fresh shrimp, ensure frozen shrimp are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking for the best sear. Grilling shrimp, often found at seafood counters, are ideal for this recipe.
While penne pasta is recommended for its ability to hold sauce, feel free to substitute with other short pastas like ziti, rigatoni, fusilli, or cavatappi. Even long noodles like fettuccine or spaghetti can be used.
Shrimp cook quickly, so watch them closely to avoid overcooking. They are done when they curl into a “C” shape and turn opaque pink/red. Overcooked shrimp become grayish and rubbery.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You may need to add a dash of water or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss the shrimp with half of the Cajun seasoning and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, ensuring even coating.
Place remaining olive oil into a large, deep-sided skillet and warm over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp to a paper towel-lined pan and set aside.
Add the heavy cream to the remaining oil and seasonings in the pan. Whisk in garlic salt (to taste), the remaining Cajun seasoning, and black pepper (to taste).
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and heat through, whisking until the cheese has melted. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil.
To thicken the sauce, prepare a slurry by whisking cornstarch and water together. Whisk the slurry into the sauce in the skillet and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes to thicken to your desired consistency.
Add the cooked pasta and the seared shrimp back to the skillet. Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are well coated in the creamy sauce. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.