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Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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3.9 from 3 reviews

This creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta combines perfectly cooked linguine with a rich, spicy sauce made from heavy cream, sour cream, and Cajun seasoning. Tossed with tender shrimp and crisp green bell peppers, this dish delivers a warming and flavorful meal ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner that impresses.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound dried pasta such as linguine or fettuccine

Sauce and Protein

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup minced shallots
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped small
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 pound 51-60 count prawns, peeled and deveined
  • Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried pasta of your choice, such as linguine or fettuccine, and cook according to the package directions until al dente. This ensures the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Peppers: Meanwhile, heat a large pan over medium heat and add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic, shallots, and chopped green bell pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes until the aromatics are fragrant and the bell peppers are slightly softened but still retain some crunch.
  3. Prepare Creamy Cajun Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, and Cajun seasoning to the pan. Mix well and cook the sauce until warmed through, about 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  4. Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the creamy sauce. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the shrimp turn a vibrant pink and are just cooked through. Season with kosher salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for your preferred seasoning level.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the pasta is done, drain it thoroughly and add it directly into the pan with the creamy Cajun shrimp sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Let it stand for 5 minutes off the heat to allow the flavors to meld further, then toss again gently before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh or frozen shrimp; if frozen, thaw completely before cooking.
  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
  • For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
  • Add freshly chopped parsley as a garnish for color and freshness.
  • This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and crusty bread.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.