Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Name: Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine or linguine; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Highlighted under: Quick Table Classics

I love whipping up a comforting bowl of Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta when I'm in need of a cozy meal. The combination of succulent shrimp and a spicy, creamy sauce is simply irresistible! With smoky paprika and a hint of garlic, this dish comes together in just a fraction of the time it takes to order takeout. In under thirty minutes, I can serve a delicious, restaurant-quality dish right at home. It’s a family favorite that never fails to impress and keeps everyone wanting more.

Created by

Holly James

Last updated on 2026-02-07T20:41:39.886Z

When I first tried making this creamy pasta at home, I wanted to replicate the flavors I experienced at my favorite Cajun restaurant. The key is to get that rich and spicy sauce just right, which can be daunting, but I discovered that the balance of heavy cream and Cajun seasoning is essential. Adding in fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness that ties the whole dish together.

Another tip I picked up along the way is to toss the shrimp in the seasonings before cooking. This method ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and adds depth to the creamy base. Once you try this, you'll find yourself making it frequently for quick, delicious weeknight dinners!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy sauce with a delightful kick from Cajun spices
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
Succulent shrimp and pasta make for a satisfying meal

Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz fettuccine or linguine
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Shrimp

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Add grated Parmesan and Cajun seasoning, and mix until smooth.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet, tossing everything to coat in the sauce. Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve

Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.

Pro Tips

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, and add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for the best results.

→ What if I don't have Cajun seasoning?

You can make a homemade mix using paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and a bit of thyme.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pasta as a substitute for traditional pasta.

→ Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.