Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Name: Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces pasta ((linguine, penne, fettuccine) (338g)); 1½ pounds raw large shrimp (peeled and deveined (675g)); 1½ tablespoons cajun seasoning (divided); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 garlic cloves (minced); 1½ cups heavy cream ((360mL)); ½ cup canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes (drained (121g)); ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more to serve (40g)); Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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If you’re looking for a new quick and flavorful dinner option, try this easy Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe! You can’t go wrong with noodles and shrimp drenched in a delicious creamy sauce. It also comes together quickly with just 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking time.

The short cooking time means you don’t have to wait for the weekend to enjoy this gourmet meal! For busier weeknights, make the prep even easier by pre-chopping the veggies and purchasing fresh shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. If you’re looking for more easy pasta recipes, try my cajun chicken pasta recipe, shrimp alfredo pasta, or fettuccine alfredo.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Ingredients needed to make cajun shrimp pasta.

Pasta – use a long pasta such as linguine, penne, or fettuccine. I recommend cooking the noodles al dente or until just tender to give this pasta dish the best texture.

Shrimp – fresh shrimp will be the juiciest with the best flavor, but frozen (thawed before using) will also work in a pinch. To save time, look for shrimp that are already peeled and deveined.

Cajun Seasoning – buy pre-mixed seasoning or make your own using paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme and oregano, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. (See Pro Tips for the recipe!)

Garlic – you will need 4 garlic cloves or about 1 tablespoon minced. If you don’t have fresh garlic, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder instead.

Heavy Cream – makes the cream sauce velvety and rich in flavor. Alternatively, you can swap in half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be a bit thinner.

Tomatoes – opt for a can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes to add a smoky flavor to the sauce. Be sure to drain the liquid from the can before adding.

Parmesan Cheese – adds delicious, rich flavor and creaminess to the base of the sauce. Use freshly shredded parmesan cheese for the richest flavor.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Set of two photos showing pasta added to a pot of boiling water and seasoning added to raw shrimp.

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water and set aside, then drain the pasta well.

2. While the pasta is cooking, season the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Set of two photos showing shrimp seared in a skillet and then heavy cream added to a skillet.

3. Heat the butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook, tossing occasionally, until they are pink and opaque, for 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Reduce the skillet to medium heat.

4. Add the garlic to the skillet and stir for 30 seconds. Then, stir in the cream until combined.

Set of two photos showing diced tomatoes and water added to a skillet.

5. Stir in the drained tomatoes.

6. Mix in the reserved pasta water and the remaining cajun seasoning.

Set of two photos showing parmesan added to the sauce in the skillet and noodles added back to coat.

7. Bring to a simmer and gradually stir in the cheese until melted. Continue to simmer until the sauce thickens, for about 2 minutes.

8. Add the cooked shrimp and pasta to the skillet and toss to coat completely in the sauce. Serve immediately with more cheese and garnish with parsley if desired.

Overhead view of a skillet of cajun shrimp pasta. A plate with two forks beside it.

Pro Tips For Making This Recipe

Heavily salt the pasta water. Generously salt the pasta water before you bring it to a boil. Shoot for at least 1 tablespoon of salt for every 2 quarts of water. This will give the pasta a delicious flavor and tender texture.
Make sure to reserve some pasta water! Don’t skip this important step. Before you drain the noodles, save at least ¼ cup of the pasta water. The starch in the leftover water adds a nice thickness to the cajun pasta sauce.
Add cajun seasoning slowly. Cajun seasonings can vary in flavor and saltiness. Start with ½ to 1 tablespoon of the seasoning in the sauce, then add more to taste.
Garnish your pasta. Add a pop of flavor and presentation by topping the finished pasta with freshly grated parmesan cheese, parsley, chives, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
To make your own cajun seasoning, stir together 1 teaspoon each of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme and oregano, and salt, and ¼ – ½ a teaspoon each of cayenne pepper and black pepper. Store the spice blend in an airtight jar and use within 6 months.
Optional variations. Add extra veggies like chopped bell peppers, spinach, or extra diced tomatoes. You can also add more protein by mixing spicy andouille sausage with the shrimp or cooking it with seasoned chicken breast chunks to make cajun chicken and shrimp pasta. Additionally, you can substitute the canned tomatoes with 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste to taste.

Two plates of cajun shrimp pasta with a bowl of shredded parmesan on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water to restore the moisture or in the microwave until heated through. I don’t recommend freezing creamy cajun shrimp pasta as the sauce can separate when thawed.

What do I serve with this?

This hearty pasta dish is quite versatile. Enjoy it on its own or paired with simple sides like a green salad and roasted brussels sprouts. It is also delicious eaten with homemade breadsticks or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce!

Can I use a different type of pasta?

While I recommend a long cut of pasta for this dish because it holds the sauce well, you can also substitute it with penne, rotini, or medium shells. Or, feel free to swap for a gluten-free pasta for an allergy-friendly version.

How do I make this less spicy?

If you prefer a less spicy dish, reduce the amount of cajun seasoning. Add it slowly to taste so you don’t accidentally make it too spicy. If you’re making your own seasoning, you can also omit the cayenne pepper from the mix to reduce the heat.

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If you’ve tried this Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!