Name: Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed, patted dry; 2 tsp. Cajun seasoning; 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; Kosher salt; 6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 1 small yellow onion, coarsely chopped; 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, coarsely chopped; 4 garlic cloves; 12 oz. linguine; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 oz. Parmesan, finely grated; 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 cup thinly sliced chives

Get ready to fall in love with Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta—a dish that shimmies its way onto the table with vibrant colors, rich flavors, and that irresistible kick of Cajun spice. Imagine tender linguine tangled up with plump, juicy shrimp, smoky-sweet peppers, all tossed in a silky cream sauce that hugs every bite. This is comfort food with a lively, Southern twist! It’s the kind of meal that tastes like something you’d order at a cozy neighborhood favorite, but comes together easily in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself to an extra-special weeknight dinner, this pasta always gets rave reviews.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delightfully surprised by how a handful of everyday ingredients blend into a restaurant-worthy Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta. Each element brings a burst of flavor, texture, or color that’s absolutely essential for pulling off this crowd-pleaser—don’t fret if you need to make tiny swaps, but the magic is in their balance.

Shrimp: Juicy, succulent shrimp are the heart of this pasta—use large, fresh or thawed, and pat them dry for the best sear.
Cajun seasoning: This bold, smoky blend does all the heavy lifting for the dish’s signature spicy-sweet flavor.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds depth and helps everything caramelize beautifully—divided, it’s used for both the shrimp and veggies.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering the dish.
Yellow onion: Brings a sweet, mellow background note that complements the heat.
Red bell pepper: Offers juicy crunch and a lovely pop of color—don’t skip it!
Garlic cloves: Four is just right for that classic, craveable aroma and punch.
Linguine: Holds onto every drop of sauce—if all you have is spaghetti or fettuccine, those work too.
Heavy cream: The secret to that ultra-luscious, creamy Cajun sauce.
Parmesan: Adds salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce—grate it fresh if you can.
Fresh parsley: For a vibrant, herbal finish that cuts through the richness.
Chives: Delicate and subtle, they add a gentle oniony bite right at the end.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp

Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels—this helps them brown rather than steam when they hit the hot pan. Sprinkle all over with Cajun seasoning and a bit of kosher salt, tossing well to ensure every shrimp gets coated in that deeply flavorful spice blend. This quick prep gives your main ingredient a burst of flavor from the very start!

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat half the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding. Sear for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until pink and lightly golden—don’t overcook, or they’ll turn rubbery. Set the shrimp aside on a plate; they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the rest of the olive oil to the pan and toss in your chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened and the edges are just starting to caramelize. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining—the starch in this water is handy for adjusting your sauce’s texture later.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and pour the heavy cream right into your skillet, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Stir in the grated Parmesan gradually, letting it melt into the cream to form a silky, thick sauce. Add a splash or two of reserved pasta water, if needed, until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency—creamy but not runny.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add the drained pasta to your skillet and toss gently to coat every strand in that luxurious sauce. Return the cooked shrimp (and any juices!) to the pan, tossing again just until heated through. Off the heat, stir in the chopped parsley and chives for a fresh lift.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Twirl generous portions onto plates or shallow bowls and top with extra Parmesan, more parsley, and a dusting of Cajun seasoning if you love a spicier finish. Get ready to dig right in!

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

For the ultimate finish, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan and fresh herbs—parsley and chives—over the plated Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta. A squeeze of lemon adds zesty brightness, while a light dusting of Cajun seasoning plays up the smoky heat. Don’t underestimate these small touches; they make each bite sing!

Side Dishes

This pasta shines alongside sides that balance its richness: try a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or some crusty bread for sauce-mopping. Roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans work beautifully, offering a fresh, snappy contrast to the savory, creamy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta in family-style platters for a festive, shared meal or plate it individually for a more elegant feel. Want to impress? Artfully curl the pasta with tongs and nestle shrimp right on top. Garnish with an extra-herby sprinkle and a lemon wedge for restaurant-level flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors actually meld and intensify, but the pasta and shrimp are at their prime on day one—just be sure to store everything together with a bit of extra sauce.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, the creamy sauce may break and the shrimp can get a little rubbery after thawing. If you do freeze, seal in a freezer-safe container for up to one month, and stir a big splash of cream or reserved pasta water into the sauce when reheating to help restore its silkiness.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. For an even faster option, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until just heated through. Avoid boiling so the cream sauce stays smooth and the shrimp remain tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta for Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta?

Absolutely! Linguine is classic, but feel free to use spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. The important part is choosing a pasta shape that lets the sauce cling deliciously to every bite.

Is homemade Cajun seasoning better than store-bought?

Homemade is wonderful because you can control the heat and salt levels, but store-bought works beautifully in a pinch. Choose a blend you love, or mix up your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and thyme.

How spicy is Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta?

It’s pleasantly zippy, but not overwhelmingly hot. For less heat, use a mild Cajun blend or reduce the amount. If you’re a spice lover, add a pinch of cayenne or more Cajun seasoning at the end.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use your favorite vegan Parmesan. The sauce will taste slightly different but still become rich, creamy, and satisfying.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

No worries! You can substitute a teaspoon of dried herbs for the parsley and chives, or simply skip them—the dish is still bursting with flavor on its own.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s indulgent, quick, and guaranteed to earn you compliments, Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is the answer. Trust me: once you take that first forkful of creamy, spicy, perfectly seasoned pasta, you’ll want to make it again and again. Grab those ingredients and bring some Cajun-inspired magic to your next dinner!