About This Recipe

This creamy Cajun shrimp pasta entices the palate with its smoky, earthy flavors infused by Cajun seasoning, which pairs beautifully with a rich, creamy white sauce made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. It’s the ideal dish for a comforting family dinner, yet sophisticated enough to impress guests at a special gathering.

If you’re a fan of Cajun flavors, you might also want to explore other delightful options like Cajun Mac and Cheese or a refreshing shrimp pasta salad.

Ingredients

• Linguine
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Cajun seasoning
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Dry white wine
• Pasta cooking water

Should you find yourself without linguine, don’t fret! Spaghetti or fettuccine can be substituted in their place. Just keep an eye on the amount of Cajun seasoning you add if you’re cooking for little ones.

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

   Prepare the linguine according to the package instructions, making sure to reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water. Once cooked, drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil to prevent it from sticking.

2. Season the Shrimp

   Sprinkle the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated.

3. Sauté the Shrimp

   In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook them just until they turn pink, about 2 minutes. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.

   

4. Create the Sauce

   Using the same saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour until it just begins to turn golden brown.

5. Add Cream and Wine

   Whisk in the white wine followed by the heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Allow this mixture to cook for about a minute.

   

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   Stir in the reserved pasta water along with the Parmesan cheese. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Then, toss in the linguine, mixing until thoroughly combined.

7. Finish the Dish

   Return the cooked shrimp to the sauce and pasta, adding the chopped parsley. Give everything a gentle stir to mix thoroughly and taste for seasoning.

   

Tips and Suggestions

What Kind of Cajun Seasoning Should I Use?

For the best flavor, consider using brands like Zatarains, Tony Chachere’s, Badia, or McCormick. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily make your own Cajun seasoning with these ingredients:

• 2 tbsp paprika
• 2 tbsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp oregano
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 2 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper

What to Serve with Cajun Shrimp Pasta?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a light tossed salad. Explore fresh salad recipes that will elevate your dining experience even further.

Healthy Variations of Cajun Shrimp Pasta

• Substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk to reduce calories.
• Opt for whole-wheat pasta for a healthier option.
• If you’re dairy or gluten intolerant, you can use coconut milk as the sauce base. Just cook the shrimp, add coconut milk, and reduce until you reach your desired consistency. Pair it with gluten-free pasta.