Description
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a bold and comforting dish packed with succulent shrimp, vibrant bell peppers, and a spicy Cajun cream sauce. Tossed with linguine and finished with fresh herbs and parmesan, it’s a rich, restaurant-quality meal you can make at home in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed, patted dry
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2 tsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
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6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
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Kosher salt, to taste
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1 small yellow onion, coarsely chopped
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1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, coarsely chopped
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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12 oz linguine
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1 cup heavy cream
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3 oz parmesan cheese, finely grated (about 1½ cups), plus more for serving
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½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
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½ cup thinly sliced chives
Instructions
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Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
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Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and sear 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add 2 more tbsp olive oil. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining 2 tbsp olive oil and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
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Stir in parmesan and allow it to melt into a smooth sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen.
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Add cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
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Stir in parsley and chives. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more Cajun spice, if desired.
- Serve hot, topped with additional parmesan and herbs if desired.
Notes
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For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or use a spicier Cajun seasoning blend.
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You can substitute fettuccine or penne if linguine is unavailable.
- Light cream or half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American