Cajun Shrimp Pasta

This Cajun shrimp pasta is smoky, creamy, cheesy, and full of bold flavor with just the right amount of heat. The bell peppers add a satisfying crunch, and the Cajun-spiced shrimp pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy sauce. Make this Cajun shrimp pasta for your next date night—you won’t regret it!

Cajun Shrimp Pasta Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 8 oz pasta of choice
• Olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (for shrimp)
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (for sauce)
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp butter
• Fresh or dried parsley (for garnish)

Instruction

1. Boil pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Season shrimp with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

1. Add another drizzle of olive oil to the same pan. Sauté sliced bell peppers for 5–7 minutes until tender. Remove and set aside.

1. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

1. Pour in the heavy cream and reserved pasta water. Stir in paprika, chili flakes, onion powder, and 1 tsp Cajun seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 4–5 minutes.

1. Stir in parmesan and mix until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

1. Add the cooked pasta, bell peppers, and shrimp back into the pan. Toss until everything is well coated in the sauce.

1. Top with fresh or dried parsley and serve immediately.

Storage

• Let it cool down before storing the pasta in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• When ready to eat, gently reheat the pasta in the pan. Add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

If you enjoyed this cajun shrimp pasta review, you might also like my creamy miso mushroom pasta recipe.