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This Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgent comfort food and a protein-packed, nutrient-rich dinner.
What sets it apart is the homemade Cajun seasoning—a flavorful blend of herbs and spices that delivers a smoky, slightly spicy kick without overwhelming heat.
The dish features extra-large shrimp, a lean protein source that’s naturally low in calories and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it great for heart health.
The fire-roasted tomatoes and onions add dietary fiber and antioxidants, while the parmesan and cream lend a creamy richness that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Despite its restaurant-quality flavor, this recipe is surprisingly easy and can be made in under an hour—ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend meal prepping.
Its versatility and one-pan appeal make it a go-to for families and busy home cooks alike.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
All-Clad Stainless Steel Skillet (12-Inch)
This heavy-duty skillet ensures even heat distribution—perfect for searing shrimp to golden perfection and building a flavorful sauce.
A kitchen workhorse for sautéing, searing, or simmering.
Cuisinart 6-Quart Stockpot
Great for boiling pasta to al dente texture without crowding. Its large capacity makes it ideal for soups, stews, and batch cooking as well.
Microplane Parmesan Grater
Effortlessly grates fresh parmesan for better flavor and meltability. Doubles as a zester for citrus, garlic, and nutmeg in other recipes.
OXO Good Grips Measuring Spoons Set
Accurate seasoning is key for this recipe. These sturdy, magnetic measuring spoons snap together and fit in spice jars with ease—perfect for all your baking and cooking needs.
Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowls (Set of 3)
Ideal for seasoning shrimp or mixing spice blends ahead of time. Microwave and dishwasher safe, they’re indispensable for prep and storage.
Creamy One-Pan Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet – for searing shrimp and making the sauce
- 1 Large Pot – for boiling pasta
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl – for blending Cajun seasoning
- 1 Measuring Spoon Set – for precise spice measurement
- 1 Parmesan Grater – for freshly grated cheese
Ingredients
Pasta & Protein
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 lb extra-large shrimp peeled, deveined, and patted dry
Cajun Seasoning Blend
- 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¾ tsp dried oregano
- ¾ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper adjust for spice preference
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp table salt
Sauce Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter salted or unsalted
- 1 medium yellow onion diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 –3 garlic cloves minced (about 2 tsp)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup chicken broth
- 1 can 14.5 oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions.Once drained, toss with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
- Prepare the Cajun Seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together paprika, oregano, thyme, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Set aside 1 teaspoon of the spice mix for the sauce, and use the rest to coat the shrimp.
- Season and Sear the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a bowl or zip-top bag and toss thoroughly with the Cajun seasoning mix (excluding the reserved teaspoon). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil until shimmering. Add shrimp in batches, cooking 1–2 minutes per side or until opaque and slightly golden. Remove to a plate and set aside.
- Build the Flavor Base: Lower the heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–5 minutes until translucent and softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Create the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour and the reserved teaspoon of Cajun seasoning over the onions and garlic. Stir to coat and cook for 1 minute, allowing the flour to absorb the fat. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until reduced by half.
- Add Tomatoes & Cream: Stir in the drained fire-roasted tomatoes, followed by the heavy cream. Mix well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss until the noodles are evenly coated and the cheese has melted into the sauce. Return the shrimp to the pan and stir until everything is heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Dish the pasta into bowls and garnish with extra parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Spice Control: For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne. For more heat, double it or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Pasta Options: Linguine and spaghetti work well, but fettuccine or penne can be substituted based on preference.
- Shrimp Tip: Make sure the shrimp is dry before searing to achieve a better sear and avoid steaming.
- Make Ahead: You can mix the Cajun seasoning and prep the shrimp in advance to save time on busy weeknights.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid curdling the cream sauce.
Chef’s Secrets for Better Flavor
The key to making this Cajun Shrimp Pasta truly stand out lies in building deep, layered flavors at every step.
Start by using high-quality smoked paprika and fresh dried herbs—yes, herbs do lose potency over time, so replacing them regularly makes a big difference.
When searing the shrimp, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they get a golden crust instead of steaming.
Searing in batches also prevents the pan temperature from dropping. Deglazing the skillet with chicken broth is another flavor-building step; it pulls up the delicious fond (browned bits) left by the shrimp, infusing your sauce with even more savory depth.
And lastly, don’t rush the cream—let it gently simmer to thicken and marry with the Cajun spices before combining everything.
Serving Ideas to Complete Meal
This creamy Cajun shrimp pasta pairs beautifully with a light and crunchy side to balance the rich flavors.
A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or arugula tossed in olive oil is perfect for contrast.
Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also complements the dish and helps soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce.
For a wine pairing, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Rosé cuts through the creaminess while enhancing the spice.
Hosting dinner guests? Serve the pasta in shallow bowls with a generous sprinkle of parmesan and a few fresh herbs on top for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
How to Store and Reheat
To keep leftovers tasting their best, transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat and add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.
Avoid using high heat or the microwave, as this can cause the sauce to separate or the shrimp to become rubbery.
If you’re meal-prepping, consider storing the pasta and shrimp separately to maintain the best texture during reheating.
Answers to Common Recipe Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly—just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking. Excess moisture will prevent proper searing and dilute the flavor.
2. What if I want it spicier?
For more heat, double the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. You can also drizzle hot sauce over the final dish for an extra kick.
3. Can I substitute the cream?
While heavy cream adds richness, you can use half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of cornstarch for a lighter version. However, note that the sauce won’t be as thick or silky.
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour alternative such as cornstarch or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for thickening the sauce.
5. Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! Sliced boneless chicken breast or thighs make a great substitute. Just season and sear them similarly, and follow the same steps for the sauce and pasta.
This recipe is inspired by sugarspunrun and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.