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Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 542
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 8 oz linguine or fettuccine
  • Salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Method
 

  1. Toss shrimp with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt. Melt butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp 2 minutes per side, then remove to a plate.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and bell pepper with a pinch of salt; cook 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; cook 30 seconds.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits. Add heavy cream, bring to a simmer, and cook 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened. Off heat, whisk in Parmesan. Meanwhile, cook pasta until al dente, reserving ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  4. Add pasta and shrimp (with any juices) to the sauce. Toss over low heat 1 to 2 minutes, adding pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Serve with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

Cook the shrimp just shy of done during the sear step—they’ll finish gently in the sauce, staying tender. If you like a thinner sauce, use a little extra broth or reserved pasta water.