• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • About
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Dinner at the Zoo

  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Appetizers
  • Dessert
  • One Pot Meals
  • Slow Cooker
  • Asian Food

Home » Pasta » Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Published: August 11, 2019 Last Modified: August 11, 2019 By Sara 16 Comments

Cajun Shrimp Pasta

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe | Shrimp Pasta | Creamy Pasta #pasta #shrimp #cajun #dinner #dinneratthezoo

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 penne alla vodka, pizza pasta and this zesty Cajun shrimp pasta.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe | Shrimp Pasta | Creamy Pasta #pasta #shrimp #cajun #dinner #dinneratthezoo Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe | Shrimp Pasta | Creamy Pasta #pasta #shrimp #cajun #dinner #dinneratthezoo

Cajun shrimp pasta with spiced shrimp, creamy sauce and tomatoes.

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.

Seared shrimp in a skillet.

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.

Penne pasta tossed in a creamy sauce.

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 spiced shrimp over creamy pasta.

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.

A pan of Cajun shrimp pasta garnished with tomatoes and herbs.

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 with spiced shrimp, creamy sauce and tomatoes.
Print Pin
5 from 12 votes

Cajun Shrimp Pasta

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!
Course Main
Cuisine Cajun
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 572kcal
Author Sara Welch

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 572kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 382mg | Sodium: 653mg | Potassium: 391mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1590IU | Vitamin C: 8.7mg | Calcium: 230mg | Iron: 3.9mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Filed Under: Dinner, Pasta

FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

    ​
    ​

    Still hungry? Follow Dinner at the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more great recipe ideas!

    « Cornflake Chicken
    Chocolate Zucchini Bread »

    Comments

    1. Celia says

      June 23, 2022 at 5:07 pm

      5 stars
      Just the right amount of spice! We really enjoyed it!

      Reply
    2. Jessica says

      May 7, 2021 at 10:03 am

      5 stars
      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 🙂

      Reply
    3. Marcus Womack says

      March 21, 2020 at 12:30 pm

      5 stars
      Damn good. I added Andouille sausage, sautéed green peppers, mushrooms, onions in the grease from the sausages. Awesome,

      Reply
    4. Flo says

      March 16, 2020 at 11:17 am

      5 stars
      Just the perfect amount of spice! I add some vegetables to this pasta so it’s a complete meal for us!

      Reply
    5. Tracey says

      September 18, 2019 at 6:09 pm

      5 stars
      I added a bit of fresh spinach to the pasta. I felt it needed a little more green. It was delish!

      Reply
    6. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

      August 13, 2019 at 11:06 pm

      5 stars
      This looks incredibly delicious! I’m going to have to try this.

      Reply
    7. Kimberly says

      August 13, 2019 at 9:55 pm

      5 stars
      SO good, my husband would especially love this!

      Reply
    8. Sandra says

      August 13, 2019 at 9:51 am

      5 stars
      Everyone at my house will surely love this!!

      Reply
    9. Alondra Burns says

      August 13, 2019 at 9:19 am

      Can you please show how to make deviled eggs.

      Reply
      • Sara says

        August 13, 2019 at 7:13 pm

        Here’s my favorite deviled egg recipe! https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/bacon-deviled-eggs/

        Reply
    10. Taylor says

      August 13, 2019 at 8:53 am

      5 stars
      This is one of my favorite pasta dishes! So creamy and flavorful!

      Reply
    11. Roxanne says

      August 13, 2019 at 8:10 am

      I don’t like shrimp, but this looks really good. Could I substitute chicken for the shrimp?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        August 13, 2019 at 7:15 pm

        Yes that’s fine!

        Reply
    12. Chrissie Baker says

      August 12, 2019 at 10:18 pm

      5 stars
      This sounds SO GOOD! I cannot wait to make this! Thanks for your recipe. The photos just about have me drooling.

      Reply
    13. Patricia @ Grab a Plate says

      August 12, 2019 at 9:00 pm

      5 stars
      What fabulous, colorful dish! This looks so rich, and I love the added tomatoes! Lovely!

      Reply
    14. Jen says

      August 12, 2019 at 11:41 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    With 3 young kids, dinner can feel like feeding time at the zoo! I'm a mom on a mission to create easy, healthy and family friendly recipes ...Read More

    Winter Soups

    A bowl of taco soup topped with tortilla strips, sour cream, cheese and avocado.

    Taco Soup Recipe

    A bowl full of slow cooker chicken tortilla soup with avocado, sour cream and tortilla strips.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

    A bowl of zuppa toscana soup with sausage, potatoes, bacon and kale.

    Zuppa Toscana Recipe

    A bowl of chicken enchilada soup topped with tortilla strips, sour cream and cilantro.

    Chicken Enchilada Soup

    A bowl of egg drop soup garnished with green onions.

    Easy Egg Drop Soup

    A bowl of hot and sour soup filled with tofu, mushrooms, egg, bamboo shoots and green onion.

    Hot and Sour Soup

    More Posts from this Category

    Featured Recipes

    Kung pao beef with peppers and peanuts in a saute pan.

    Kung Pao Beef

    Earthquake cake is a gooey delight loaded with chocolate, pecans and coconut.

    Earthquake Cake

    A pan of honey garlic chicken stir fry with a spatula in it.

    Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

    A pan of Tuscan chicken topped with creamy mushroom and spinach sauce.

    Creamy Tuscan Chicken

    FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

    Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

      ​
      ​

      Categories

      Sites I am featured In
      PRIVACY POLICY ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT © Sara Welch and Dinner at the Zoo® LLC, 2015-2022.
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
      • RSS
      • Twitter
      • About Me
      • Contact Me
      • All Recipes
      • Dinner
      • Appetizers
      • Dessert
      • One Pot Meals
      • Slow Cooker
      • Asian Food