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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bold Flavor

Close-up of a serving of Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bold Flavor, featuring linguine tossed in a rich sauce with seasoned shrimp, garnished with parsley.
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Make a rich and spicy Cajun shrimp pasta featuring a bold, authentic cream sauce. This recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor easily.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound linguine or fettuccine pasta
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend (use a high-quality, bold blend)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the drained pasta aside.
  2. Season the shrimp lightly with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning.
  3. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
  5. Add the minced garlic, remaining Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. If using wine, pour it in and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  7. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3 minutes to slightly reduce the liquid.
  8. Stir in the heavy cream and cayenne pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Do not boil rapidly.
  9. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, one splash at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
  11. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to reheat.
  12. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For the boldest flavor, make your own Cajun seasoning blend or purchase one that lists salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme as primary ingredients.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce without wine, substitute the wine with an extra 1/2 cup of chicken broth and simmer slightly longer before adding the cream.
  • Use high-quality Parmesan cheese that you grate yourself for the best melting texture in the sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastytipster.com/creamy-cajun-shrimp-pasta-bold-flavor/