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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Bold Sauce

A fork lifting fettuccine noodles coated in a rich, orange Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta sauce with visible shrimp.
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Make a rich and spicy Cajun shrimp pasta featuring a bold, flavorful cream sauce. This recipe delivers restaurant-style taste for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning blend (high heat preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set aside.
  2. Season the shrimp lightly with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning.
  3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften.
  5. Add minced garlic, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to create a roux base.
  7. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken further. Do not boil rapidly.
  9. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
  10. Add the cooked pasta and the shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat evenly with the bold cream sauce.
  11. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For an extra bold flavor, use a Cajun seasoning blend that contains a higher ratio of cayenne pepper.
  • If you prefer a richer sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with cream cheese, added at the same time as the Parmesan.
  • To make this a one-pot meal, cook the pasta directly in the sauce mixture using more broth and water, stirring frequently.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/creamy-cajun-shrimp-pasta-with-bold-sauce/