Description
A rich and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender shrimp with a creamy, garlicky Cajun sauce. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, date nights at home, or anytime you want a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen. Inspired by the bold flavors of Louisiana Cajun cuisine, this pasta is indulgent, spicy, and irresistibly satisfying.
Ingredients
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12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tbsp olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp Cajun seasoning
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1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
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Pat the shrimp dry. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté garlic, onion, and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
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Reduce heat to medium and add chicken or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Season with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
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Gently fold the shrimp into the pasta, allowing them to warm through. Finish with lemon juice and chopped parsley.
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Divide pasta among plates or bowls, ensuring each serving has shrimp and sauce. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
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Use fresh or fully thawed shrimp for best results.
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Adjust spice level by reducing or increasing crushed red pepper flakes.
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Reserve pasta water to help achieve a creamy, clingy sauce.
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Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
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Leftovers are best stored with pasta and shrimp separate from the sauce; reheat gently to preserve texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes