Description
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a spicy, indulgent twist on Alfredo, featuring tender shrimp, linguine, and a velvety sauce made from a pepper, onion, and garlic puree with Cajun seasoning.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed, patted dry
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 6 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1 small yellow onion, coarsely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, coarsely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 oz Parmesan cheese, finely grated (about 1 1/2 cups), plus more for serving
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced chives
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season lightly with salt.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Cook the shrimp in batches for about 1 minute per side until browned and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and wipe out the skillet.
- In a food processor, pulse the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Cook the linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In the same skillet, heat remaining 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the pepper-onion-garlic puree and cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring often. Add a splash of water if it browns too quickly.
- Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add cooked shrimp, pasta, parsley, chives, and 3/4 cup of reserved pasta water. Stir until sauce is silky and coats the pasta, adding more pasta water if needed.
- Serve topped with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Substitute shrimp with chicken or andouille sausage for variation.
- Adjust spice level by adding jalapeños or spicier Cajun seasoning.
- Works well with fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni.
- Can prep the vegetable puree ahead for easier cooking.
- Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to maintain sauce texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
