Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Sauce and Savory Steak for a Flavor-Packed Dinner

Why You’ll Love This cajun shrimp pasta

• Ease of preparation: This cajun shrimp pasta recipe is quick and straightforward, needing only simple ingredients and about 25-50 minutes total cooking time. Preparing the sauce alongside the pasta allows you to have a flavorful, satisfying meal on the table even on busy nights.
• Health benefits: Packed with protein-rich shrimp and nutrient-dense ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, this dish supports balanced nutrition. The inclusion of vegetables and moderate use of cream makes it both hearty and wholesome, delivering essential vitamins and antioxidants.
• Versatility: Easily adaptable for gluten-free, low-calorie, or vegan variations, this cajun shrimp pasta can be tailored with gluten-free noodles, plant-based cream alternatives, and meat substitutes. Adding seasonal vegetables further customizes the dish for varied dietary needs.
• Distinctive flavor: The combination of smoky paprika, oregano, thyme, and subtle heat from cayenne creates a bold and aromatic profile. Paired with a creamy sauce and tender shrimp, this cajun shrimp pasta stands out with layers of savory and spicy complexity that bring dinner to life.

Essential Ingredients for cajun shrimp pasta

• 8 oz (about 225 g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne preferred) – the base that holds the sauce and flavors
• 1 lb (450 g) extra-large or large shrimp, peeled and deveined – provides a succulent, protein-rich seafood element
• 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika – adds deep smoky notes essential to cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (divided) – brings characteristic spice and heat
• ¾ teaspoon dried oregano – introduces herbal earthiness
• ¾ teaspoon dried thyme – adds subtle floral undertones
• ½ teaspoon dried basil – complements other herbs for balanced flavor
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – enriches aroma and taste
• ½ teaspoon onion powder – rounds out savory facets
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – provides optional heat boost
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – adds warmth and depth
• ½ teaspoon table salt, plus more to taste – balances all flavors
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – used for sautéing shrimp and vegetables
• 2 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted) – enhances richness of the sauce
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup) – forms a flavorful base
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (2-3 cloves) – elevates savory profile
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour – thickens the sauce
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) chicken broth – adds savory depth and volume to sauce
• 14.5 oz (about 411 g) can fire-roasted tomatoes, drained – provides smoky sweetness and texture
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream or heavy whipping cream – gives the signature creamy texture and richness
• ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese – delivers savory umami and thickens sauce
• Optional garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions – freshens the dish visually and flavor-wise
• Optional additions: vegetables such as bell peppers, asparagus, or mushrooms – add nutrition and color

Special Dietary Options

• Vegan: Replace shrimp with plant-based shrimp alternatives and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta blends such as rice or quinoa pasta; verify seasoning blends are gluten-free.
• Low-calorie: Swap heavy cream with half and half or light cream, using less to avoid runny sauce; incorporate more vegetables and reduce oil.

How to Prepare the Perfect cajun shrimp pasta: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Prepare Ingredients and Cook Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine or chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later. Toss pasta with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking if cooking ahead.

Second Step: Mix Cajun Spice Blend and Season Shrimp

In a small bowl, whisk together smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Reserve 1 teaspoon for the sauce. Toss the remaining spice blend with peeled, deveined shrimp until fully coated.

Third Step: Sear Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp in batches for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque but not overcooked (shrimp should curl into a C shape). Remove cooked shrimp and cover to keep warm.

Fourth Step: Cook Aromatics and Make Sauce

Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté diced onion until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and the reserved teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, stirring constantly until the flour is absorbed.

Fifth Step: Deglaze and Simmer Sauce

Slowly pour chicken broth into the skillet while scraping up browned bits. Cook until broth reduces by half, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, then add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine. Simmer sauce gently for 2-3 minutes; add reserved pasta water to thin sauce if necessary.

Sixth Step: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat with creamy sauce. Return shrimp to the pan and cook just until warmed through, avoiding overcooking.

Final Step: Serve Garnished and Hot

Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley or green onions. Optionally, add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.

this …

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your cajun shrimp pasta

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

• Use chicken breast or thigh strips for non-seafood variations, cooking similarly with Cajun seasoning.
• Swap shrimp for scallops or firm fish fillets for different seafood options.
• For vegan diets, substitute shrimp with plant-based seafood alternatives that soak up seasoning well.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

• Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for dairy-free options.
• Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta to reduce carbs.
• Add seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, bell peppers, or green beans sautéed with the sauce to increase nutrition.
• Modify seasoning heat by reducing cayenne or swapping Cajun seasoning with milder Creole blends.

Mastering cajun shrimp pasta: Advanced Tips and Variations

Using a cast-iron skillet helps achieve a perfect sear on shrimp, locking in juices and textures.

• Pro cooking techniques: Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing shrimp to ensure even cooking. Cook in small batches if necessary.
• Flavor variations: Try adding smoked sausage slices for a heartier dish or incorporate a splash of white wine into the sauce for complexity.
• Presentation tips: Plate pasta in neat nests on warmed dishes, garnished with fresh cilantro or basil. Use a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for color and spice appeal.
• Make-ahead options: Prepare the creamy sauce and pasta ahead; cook shrimp fresh just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

How to Store cajun shrimp pasta: Best Practices

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About cajun shrimp pasta

cajun shrimp pasta

---

• Author: Isabella Hayes
• Total Time: 25-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-free option possible

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

🍤 Savor the bold flavors of Cajun Shrimp Pasta with a creamy sauce that perfectly balances spice and richness.
🥩 This dish pairs savory steak with tender shrimp for a flavorful, satisfying dinner experience.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 oz pasta for the base that holds the sauce and flavors

1 lb shrimp provides a succulent, protein-rich seafood element

1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika adds deep smoky notes essential to cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning brings characteristic spice and heat

¾ teaspoon dried oregano introduces herbal earthiness

¾ teaspoon dried thyme adds subtle floral undertones

½ teaspoon dried basil complements other herbs for balanced flavor

½ teaspoon garlic powder enriches aroma and taste

½ teaspoon onion powder rounds out savory facets

⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper provides optional heat boost

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper adds warmth and depth

½ teaspoon table salt plus more to taste balances all flavors

2 tablespoons olive oil used for sautéing shrimp and vegetables

2 tablespoons butter enhances richness of the sauce

1 medium yellow onion diced forms a flavorful base

2 teaspoons minced garlic elevates savory profile

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour thickens the sauce

⅔ cup chicken broth adds savory depth and volume to sauce

14.5 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes provides smoky sweetness and texture

1 ½ cups heavy cream gives the signature creamy texture and richness

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese delivers savory umami and thickens sauce

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions freshens the dish visually and flavor-wise

vegetables such as bell peppers, asparagus, or mushrooms add nutrition and color

---

Instructions

First Step: Prepare Ingredients and Cook PastaBring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine or chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later. Toss pasta with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking if cooking ahead.

Second Step: Mix Cajun Spice Blend and Season ShrimpIn a small bowl, whisk together smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Reserve 1 teaspoon for the sauce. Toss the remaining spice blend with peeled, deveined shrimp until fully coated.

Third Step: Sear ShrimpHeat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp in batches for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque but not overcooked (shrimp should curl into a C shape). Remove cooked shrimp and cover to keep warm.

Fourth Step: Cook Aromatics and Make SauceReduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté diced onion until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and the reserved teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, stirring constantly until the flour is absorbed.

Fifth Step: Deglaze and Simmer SauceSlowly pour chicken broth into the skillet while scraping up browned bits. Cook until broth reduces by half, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, then add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine. Simmer sauce gently for 2-3 minutes; add reserved pasta water to thin sauce if necessary.

Sixth Step: Combine Pasta and ShrimpAdd cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat with creamy sauce. Return shrimp to the pan and cook just until warmed through, avoiding overcooking.

Final Step: Serve Garnished and HotServe immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley or green onions. Optionally, add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.

Notes

🦐 Use fresh shrimp or thoroughly thaw frozen shrimp, and avoid pre-cooked to maintain tenderness.
🌶 Adjust the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to match your preferred spice level.
🥦 Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.

• Prep Time: 10-30 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Sautéing and simmering
• Cuisine: Cajun / Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1120 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 250 mg

Keywords: Cajun Shrimp Pasta, Creamy Sauce, Steak, Flavor-Packed Dinner