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Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 100 reviews

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish combining perfectly seasoned shrimp with a rich, cheesy sauce infused with Cajun spices. Served over al dente fettuccine, it offers a spicy yet comforting meal perfect for seafood lovers looking for a quick and tasty dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 lb. fettuccine

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 1 1/2 lb. jumbo or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tsp. Cajun seasoning (Old Bay or Tony Chachere’s recommended)
  • 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tsp. onion powder
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 tsp. smoked paprika

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp. cooking oil (grapeseed, olive, or avocado)
  • 4 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp. garlic, minced or chopped
  • 1 tbsp. flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice (about half of a lemon)
  • 1 tsp. lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season Shrimp: In a bowl, combine shrimp with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp Cajun seasoning. Mix thoroughly to coat evenly.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside for later use.
  3. Sear Shrimp: Heat oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for about 3 minutes, flipping to brown both sides. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Make Roux: Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 3 tbsp butter to skillet and melt. Stir in flour, whisking continuously until a smooth, creamy roux forms.
  5. Add Liquids: Gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Season Sauce: Add lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp onion powder, and light salt and pepper (keeping in mind Cajun seasoning already contains salt). Let sauce simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, letting flavors meld.
  7. Add Cheese and Herbs: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes to thicken and blend flavors.
  8. Toss Pasta: Add cooked fettuccine to the sauce in the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta thoroughly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
  9. Serve: Top the pasta with the seared shrimp. Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your heat preference for a spicier or milder dish.
  • Use fresh shrimp for best flavor, but frozen shrimp thawed and patted dry will also work well.
  • If you want a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce may be less creamy.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Parmesan cheese adds depth and richness; do not skip for most authentic taste.

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, spicy pasta recipe, Cajun fettuccine, seafood pasta, easy Cajun shrimp dinner

Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/cajun-shrimp-pasta-recipe/