Cajun shrimp pasta is a wonderful dish bursting with flavor. It’s creamy, comforting, and just a little spicy. A perfect meal for busy weeknights or when friends come over. You’ll love how quickly it comes together!
Why You Will Love This Cajun Shrimp Pasta
This dish is easy to make, making it a great choice for beginners. The shrimp is tender and the sauce is creamy with a hint of spice. It’s a cozy dish that feels special but is simple enough for any night. Plus, it uses basic ingredients you might already have!
How to Make Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Making this dish is straightforward and quick. You’ll cook the pasta and shrimp together, allowing all the flavors to blend perfectly. A creamy sauce ties everything together, making each bite delightful.
What You Need
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons cajun spice blend
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp and cajun spice blend, cooking until shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet with the shrimp and sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
How to Serve Cajun Shrimp Pasta
This dish is lovely on its own but can be paired with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You might also enjoy it with a glass of white wine. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends.
How to Store Cajun Shrimp Pasta
To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-friendly container. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream to bring back the sauce’s creaminess.
Recipe Tips
- Cook the pasta just until al dente for the best texture.
- Adjust the cajun spice level to your taste; you can use less for a milder dish.
- Fresh shrimp will taste better, but frozen works fine too.
- Don’t skip the parsley; it adds a fresh touch.
- You can swap the bowtie pasta for any shape you love.
Variations & Swaps
- For a lighter dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add spinach for a pop of color and nutrition.
- For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or chickpeas in place of shrimp.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Can I freeze Cajun shrimp pasta?
Yes, it freezes well. Just remember to cool it completely before freezing.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a little cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A fresh side salad or garlic bread works wonderfully with this dish.
What if I don’t have cajun spice blend?
You can make your own using paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta Substitute with any pasta shape if desired.
Shrimp and Sauce Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined Fresh shrimp is preferred, but frozen works too.
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons cajun spice blend Adjust to taste for spice level.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for garnish Fresh parsley Adds freshness to the final dish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Cooking
- Add the shrimp and cajun spice blend, cooking until shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet with the shrimp and sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
