Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (Printable Version)
Tender shrimp and pasta combined in a creamy, spiced sauce with parmesan and garlic flavors.
# Everything You’ll Need:
→ Seafood
01 -
1 pound raw shrimp, thawed and deveined
→ Pasta
02 -
8 ounces penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions
→ Oils and Fats
03 -
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
04 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Seasonings
05 -
3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
06 -
Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Aromatics
07 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Thickening Agents
08 -
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
→ Dairy
09 -
1½ cups half and half
10 -
⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
→ Optional Garnishes
11 -
Diced tomatoes
12 -
Fresh parsley
# Steps to Cook:
01 -
Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
02 -
In a bowl, toss shrimp with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
03 -
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned shrimp and cook about 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
04 -
In a clean skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn.
05 -
Whisk in flour, then gradually incorporate half and half in small increments, whisking continuously to form a smooth roux. Once all half and half is added, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
06 -
Add remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning to the sauce, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 -
Stir cooked pasta and shrimp into the sauce until well coated. Serve garnished with diced tomatoes and fresh parsley if desired.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
To prevent the cream sauce from curdling, add the half and half gradually and whisk continuously.