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Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Sauce: The Perfect Weeknight Dinner

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Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Sauce is the perfect dish for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. Featuring tender shrimp coated in a smoky, spicy Cajun seasoning and tossed with linguine in a rich, creamy sauce, this dish strikes the perfect balance between heat and creaminess. It’s an easy recipe that delivers a restaurant-quality meal in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or your choice)
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the shrimp pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

 

Notes

  • If you’re not a fan of shrimp, chicken or sausage can be easily substituted to create a different version of this Cajun pasta.

  • To add more vegetables to the dish, consider sautéing bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini and mixing them into the pasta.

  • Adjust the heat level based on your preference by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.

  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated with a little extra cream or milk for a creamy finish.

Find it online: https://claradelish.com/cajun-shrimp-pasta-with-creamy-sauce-the-perfect-weeknight-dinner/