Cajun Shrimp Pasta
A creamy, spicy Cajun shrimp pasta dish with penne and parmesan cheese, perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner that balances heat and richness.
Equipment
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 large skillet for cooking shrimp and sauce
- 1 bowl for seasoning shrimp
- 1 wooden spoon to scrape pan
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt divided
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound raw shrimp deveined and cleaned, tails removed
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning homemade preferred
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep all ingredients and season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and olive oil in a bowl, tossing to coat.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding 1 tablespoon kosher salt.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add penne pasta to the boiling salted water and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water before draining.
- Add butter to the hot skillet and melt, then add shrimp in a single layer. Cook until golden brown on each side, turning once.
- Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate and reduce skillet heat to medium.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to release browned bits. Let cream bubble around edges.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat in sauce.
- If sauce is too thick, thin with reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, to desired consistency. Adjust salt if needed.
Notes
- Make your own Cajun seasoning for better control over salt and spice levels.
- Substitute shrimp with chicken breast or scallops for protein variation.
- Grate parmesan from a block for best melting and flavor.
- Double the recipe to feed a larger family or for leftovers.