Go Back
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When it comes to shrimp, freshness is key. Here are some tips to help you choose the best shrimp: - Look for firmness: Fresh shrimp should feel firm to the touch. If they feel mushy, skip them. - Check the color: Fresh shrimp have a translucent look. Avoid any shrimp that appear dull or discolored. - Smell matters: Fresh shrimp have a clean, light ocean smell. Any strong fishy odor is a red flag. - Buy from trusted sources: Go to a reputable fish market or grocery store. Ask the fishmonger about the shrimp's source. - Know your types: If you can, choose wild-caught shrimp for better flavor and sustainability. Cajun seasoning adds a unique kick to your pasta. You can choose between homemade or store-bought options. Here’s how they compare: - Homemade seasoning: Making your own gives you control over flavors. Combine paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper. Adjust the spices to fit your taste. - Store-bought seasoning: This option is quick and easy. Just read the label to check for added fillers or preservatives. Look for brands that use natural ingredients for the best flavor. Choosing between the two depends on your time and preference. I love making my own when I can, but store-bought is great for a quick meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, boil a large pot of water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. This step helps season the pasta as it cooks. - Use 8 oz of linguine or spaghetti. - Cook according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. - You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. - Once done, drain the pasta. Remember to save a bit of the pasta water. It can help adjust your sauce later. Now, let’s focus on the shrimp. You need 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp. - In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Make sure every shrimp gets a nice coat of spice. - Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. - Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. - After cooking, take the shrimp out of the skillet and place them on a plate. In the same skillet, we’ll make a creamy sauce. This is where all the magic happens! - First, add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the hot skillet. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not burnt. - Then, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, letting them soften and release their juices. - Now, it's time for the heavy cream! Pour in 1 cup and stir it gently with the tomatoes. - Let this mixture simmer. Gradually add in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and the sauce is smooth. - Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Now, this sauce will bring all your flavors together! To change the spice in your Minute Cajun Shrimp Pasta, use more or less Cajun seasoning. You can start with one tablespoon. Mix it with the shrimp and taste. If you want more heat, add more seasoning. If it’s too spicy, balance it with a bit of cream. This way, you control the flavor. For this recipe, you need a few key tools: - A large pot for boiling pasta - A large skillet for cooking shrimp and sauce - A mixing bowl for seasoning shrimp - A spatula for stirring These tools help you cook the meal quickly and easily. To keep shrimp tender, cook them just until pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2 minutes on each side. If you leave them too long, they get tough. Always keep an eye on your shrimp while they cook. If you’re unsure, take one out and check. Cooked shrimp should curl slightly but remain firm. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente for the best texture. It should have a slight bite to it, which will also help absorb the sauce better. Fresh Shrimp: Use fresh shrimp if possible for the best flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning. Adjusting Creaminess: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve your desired consistency. Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce before serving. {{image_4}} You can switch up the pasta to fit your taste. While I love linguine, you can try: - Spaghetti: A classic choice that works well. - Fettuccine: For a wider noodle option. - Zucchini Noodles: Perfect for a low-carb meal. - Whole Wheat Pasta: Adds fiber and a nutty flavor. Each pasta will soak up the sauce differently, giving you a unique dish every time. Boost the health factor by adding veggies. Here are some great options: - Spinach: Toss it in at the end until wilted. - Bell Peppers: Slice them thin and sauté with the garlic. - Broccoli: Steam it and mix it in for crunch. - Mushrooms: Sauté them with the shrimp for earthy flavor. These veggies not only add nutrients but also make the dish more colorful. If you want a lighter meal, try these swaps: - Light Cream: Use it instead of heavy cream for fewer calories. - Shrimp Alternatives: Chicken or tofu can replace shrimp. - Low-Fat Cheese: Substitute with a reduced-fat Parmesan. - Whole Wheat Pasta: It’s more filling and healthier. These swaps keep the flavors while making the dish lighter on the waistline. To store leftovers of your Minute Cajun Shrimp Pasta, let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This will keep your pasta fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to seal the container tightly. This way, it won't absorb other smells from your fridge. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the pasta gently. You can use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps the pasta heat evenly. If you want to keep your pasta longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It will stay good for about two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just remember to thaw them first. Simply place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 10-15 minutes. This way, they will cook evenly. To make Cajun shrimp pasta gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Look for options made from rice or quinoa. These alternatives cook well and taste great. You can pair this dish with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette works well. Garlic bread is another great side. It adds a nice crunch and flavor. This blog post explored making a delicious Cajun shrimp pasta dish. We covered key ingredients, from selecting fresh shrimp to seasoning tips. I provided step-by-step instructions for cooking pasta and shrimp perfectly. You learned ways to adjust spice levels and the best cooking tools. We also discussed variations for different tastes and storage methods to keep leftovers fresh. Finally, I answered common questions about using frozen shrimp and gluten-free options. Enjoy cooking this dish and impressing your friends with your culinary skills!

Minute Cajun Shrimp Pasta

A quick and flavorful Cajun shrimp pasta dish that's creamy and delicious.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure to reserve a little pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce later.
  • In a mixing bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning, ensuring each shrimp is generously coated with the spices for that bold flavor.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn a lovely pink color and are fully opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet used for the shrimp, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
  • Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring gently to combine with the tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
  • Add the cooked pasta and sautéed shrimp back into the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta and shrimp are thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce and heated through, about 1-2 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls and add extra Parmesan cheese and lemon juice for a zesty kick.
Keyword Cajun, pasta, quick meal, shrimp