Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Name: Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine or linguine; Salt for boiling water; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort on a Plate

I love whipping up this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta for a quick yet indulgent dinner. The combination of succulent shrimp and spicy Cajun seasonings creates a mouth-watering experience that's hard to resist. With a rich and creamy sauce that clings to perfectly cooked pasta, it's a dish that brings comfort and sophistication to the table. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal when time is of the essence but flavor is non-negotiable.

Created by

Brianna Tate

Last updated on 2026-02-08T01:44:37.479Z

When I first experimented with this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, I wasn't sure how the flavors would balance. After trying various spices and cooking methods, I found that toasting the Cajun seasoning before adding it to the sauce truly amplified the flavor, giving each bite an irresistible kick. The shrimp cooks quickly, ensuring it stays tender while absorbing all the creamy goodness.

One of my favorite tips is to reserve a bit of the pasta water. Adding it to the sauce at the end helps to create a luxurious texture that coats the pasta beautifully. Trust me, it makes a significant difference and elevates the dish to restaurant-quality right at home!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Richly spiced shrimp that packs a flavor punch
Creamy sauce that envelops each strand of pasta
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

Cooking the Perfect Pasta

Cooking the pasta correctly is crucial for achieving the ideal texture in this dish. Fettuccine or linguine can be prepared until they reach 'al dente,' which means they should still have a slight bite. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the brand. Make sure to taste the pasta just before draining to ensure it's cooked perfectly, as the pasta will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce.

When boiling your water, don't be shy with the salt; it should taste like the sea. This step will enhance the flavor of the pasta significantly. Reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. It’s a handy tool for adjusting the sauce later, ensuring it clings beautifully to your pasta.

Elevating the Shrimp

The shrimp are the star of this dish, so selecting high-quality, fresh shrimp is essential. Look for shrimp that is firm and has a slightly briny smell; if you can find wild-caught shrimp, they often offer the best flavor. When seasoning, I recommend using a generous amount of Cajun seasoning to infuse the shrimp with a robust flavor—let it marinate for at least 10 minutes for maximum impact.

Cook the shrimp over medium-high heat in olive oil until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet; this can cause the shrimp to steam rather than sear, resulting in a less desirable texture. Ensure they are just cooked through to retain their juiciness.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

This sauce is where the magic happens, combining the flavors of garlic, cream, and chicken broth. Start by sautéing garlic until fragrant, but be cautious not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste. Deglazing the skillet with chicken broth helps lift any flavorful bits off the bottom, adding depth to your sauce.

Once the cream is added, let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Don’t rush this step; giving it time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you find the sauce too thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency—this also enhances flavor and texture.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz fettuccine or linguine
Salt for boiling water

For the Sauce

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and add to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, flipping once, until shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mix until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately, enjoying the creamy, spicy goodness!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce just before serving. You can also swap the shrimp for chicken or vegetables based on your preference.

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re looking to swap out ingredients, consider using turkey or chicken sausage in place of shrimp for a different flavor profile. Additionally, for a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, which will yield a less rich sauce but still satisfying. Vegetarians can easily substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini to maintain a hearty texture.

For a kick of freshness, add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. You can also consider tossing in some spinach or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition. These vegetables can be wilted down quickly in the sauce, providing an excellent contrast to the creamy base.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to prep it ahead of time, consider cooking the pasta and shrimp separately and combining them just before serving. The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to bring it back to life.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, I recommend doing so on the stovetop to better control the temperature, stirring to keep the creamy sauce smooth without separation.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant touch, serve the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with garlic bread and a side salad, creating a complete meal that feels indulgent yet easy. A light, crisp green salad can help balance the richness of the pasta, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy sauce.

If you want to impress guests, consider garnishing each plate with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor. A few slices of fresh lemon on the side can also complement the dish beautifully, providing guests the option to brighten their plate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and simply reheat it when you're ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter version, but it may slightly alter the texture.

→ Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, but be aware that the cream may change texture upon reheating. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

→ Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild to medium spice level due to the Cajun seasoning, but you can adjust the amount to your taste preference.