This Cajun shrimp pasta is made with sauteed spiced shrimp served over creamy pasta, then finished off with fresh tomatoes. An easy dinner that tastes like it came from a restaurant!
My family loves it when I serve a hearty pasta dish for dinner. Some of their favorites include creamy shrimp linguine, penne alla vodka, pizza pasta and this zesty Cajun shrimp pasta.
I often make shrimp for dinner because it cooks so quickly and is packed with protein. This Cajun shrimp pasta is one of my very favorite ways to serve seafood. Best of all, this dish tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant, but you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home.
How do you make Cajun shrimp pasta?
The first step in this recipe is to put your pasta up to boil in a pot of salted water. While the pasta is cooking, you can sear your shrimp and whip up a simple parmesan cream sauce. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, then arrange the shrimp on top. Add a sprinkling of tomatoes and parsley, then you’ll be ready to eat.
Tips for cajun shrimp pasta
- I like to use smaller shrimp for this recipe so that I get a taste of it in each bite. I typically use 31-40 count shrimp, although larger or smaller shrimp will also work just fine.
- You can remove the tails from your shrimp or leave them on, it’s a matter of personal preference. I find that the presentation is nicer with the tails on, but it does make the shrimp a little harder to eat.
- This recipe will work with any short pasta such as rotini, farfalle and rigatoni.
- The creamy sauce tastes best if you use freshly grated parmesan cheese.
HOW TO PEEL AND DEVEIN SHRIMP
This recipe calls for raw shrimp which are cooked in a skillet. I typically buy my raw shrimp with just the tail attached, but many shrimp also come still in the shell. If your shrimp have shells on them, you can easily remove them by pulling the main part of the shell off with your fingers, then removing the tail end of the shell. You may also need to devein your shrimp. If you see a dark line running across the top of the the shrimp, you can remove it by using a paring knife to cut a slit along the top of the shrimp, then use the knife or a wooden skewer to remove the vein.
HOW TO MAKE CAJUN SEASONING
You can use store bought Cajun seasoning for the recipe, or make your own. To make Cajun seasoning, combine 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika, 1 1/2 tablespoons salt, 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper and 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme. Mix everything together and store in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it.
Cajun shrimp pasta variations
You can add all different kinds of toppings to your Cajun pasta to make your own creation.
- Protein: In addition to the shrimp, you can add 1 cup of cooked diced chicken, smoked sausage or crumbled bacon.
- Vegetables: When you cook your shrimp, you can add veggies to the mix such as red onion or bell pepper.
- Herbs: While I typically make this pasta with parsley, other great options include green onions, basil or chives.
This Cajun shrimp pasta is easy enough for a busy weeknight, yet elegant enough to serve to company. It’s a recipe you’ll find yourself making time and time again.
MORE PASTA RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
- Butternut Squash Pasta
- Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
- Cheeseburger Pasta
- Sausage and Pepper Pasta
- Taco Pasta
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined, I use 31-40 count
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning plus more for garnish
- 10 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2/3 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the shrimp.
- Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque.
- In small pot, combine the heavy cream, butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring, until thick enough to coat a spoon, about 4 minutes.
- Stir the parmesan cheese into the sauce, cook until melted.
- Drain the pasta. Toss the pasta with the sauce and arrange the shrimp on top.
- Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, tomatoes and parsley, then serve.
Just the right amount of spice! We really enjoyed it!
I only had half and half but this was so quick and so good. I had some leftover chicken so I quick-roasted this with broccoli and red onions covered in olive oil and cajun spices, and I added paprika to the sauce. It’s delicious! Thanks for lunch 🙂
Damn good. I added Andouille sausage, sautéed green peppers, mushrooms, onions in the grease from the sausages. Awesome,
Just the perfect amount of spice! I add some vegetables to this pasta so it’s a complete meal for us!
I added a bit of fresh spinach to the pasta. I felt it needed a little more green. It was delish!
This looks incredibly delicious! I’m going to have to try this.
SO good, my husband would especially love this!
Everyone at my house will surely love this!!
Can you please show how to make deviled eggs.
Here’s my favorite deviled egg recipe! https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/bacon-deviled-eggs/
This is one of my favorite pasta dishes! So creamy and flavorful!
I don’t like shrimp, but this looks really good. Could I substitute chicken for the shrimp?
Yes that’s fine!
This sounds SO GOOD! I cannot wait to make this! Thanks for your recipe. The photos just about have me drooling.
What fabulous, colorful dish! This looks so rich, and I love the added tomatoes! Lovely!
We do so many chicken dishes that this was a nice change for us. It had great flavor and my whole family enjoyed it. Definitley adding this to our regular rotation.