Easy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Easy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce

If you're craving something bold, rich, and ready in under 30 minutes, this

Prep: min | Cook: min | Total: min

Servings:

Ingredients

• For the Shrimp:
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste
• For the Sauce:
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to heat preference)
• For the Pasta:
• 12 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente
• Chopped parsley for garnish
• Optional: Extra Parmesan for serving
• Instructions:
• 1. Cook the Shrimp:
• 2. Make the Sauce:
• 3. Combine and Toss:
• 4. Garnish and Serve:
• Tips for Success:
• Don’t overcook the shrimp—they only need a few minutes to stay juicy.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
• Add a splash of pasta water if your sauce needs thinning.
• Want a veggie boost? Toss in some baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes!
• Storage & Reheating:
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
• Not ideal for freezing due to the cream base, but still doable in a pinch.
• What to Serve With It:
• Beer Cheese Dip as a starter
• Dorito Casserole if you're cooking for a crowd
• Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a fun Tex-Mex twist on dinner night
• Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo for a full-on Cajun feast
• Hot Dip on the side if you want to spice up appetizer hour
• Final Thoughts:

Instructions

1. Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and opaque. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).Add heavy cream, Parmesan, paprika, and remaining Cajun seasoning.Simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring often until the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Combine and Toss: Add cooked penne pasta to the sauce and stir to coat.Return shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together until warm and well mixed.
4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and more Parmesan if desired.Serve hot and enjoy every spicy, creamy bite!
5. Tips for Success: Don’t overcook the shrimp—they only need a few minutes to stay juicy.
6. Use freshly grated : Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
7. Add a splash of pasta water if your sauce needs thinning.
8. Want a veggie boost? Toss in some baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes!
9. Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
10. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
11. Not ideal for freezing due to the cream base, but still doable in a pinch.
12. What to Serve With It: This pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are a few delicious pairings:
13. Beer : Cheese Dip as a starter
14. Dorito : Casserole if you're cooking for a crowd
15. Sheet : Pan Quesadillas for a fun Tex-Mex twist on dinner night
16. Cajun : Chicken Sausage Gumbo for a full-on Cajun feast
17. Hot : Dip on the side if you want to spice up appetizer hour
18. Final Thoughts: This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is the kind of meal you’ll want on regular rotation. It’s vibrant, comforting, and always a hit with guests (or picky teens). Plus, it comes together fast—so you can spend more time enjoying and less time stressing.
19. Tried it? Drop a comment below or tag @ChefManiac on social media. We’d love to see your version!

Nutrition

• Calories:
• Fat:
• Carbs:
• Protein:

Rate This Recipe

Average Rating: 0 (0 votes)