Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a decadent pasta with shrimp sautéed in a creamy sauce and tossed with pasta. Great for date night or any day you want to indulge. 

If you’ve checked out my shrimp tacos or many of the other shrimp recipes I’ve got on the blog, you know that we LOVE shrimp around here.

I am always a sucker for a creamy, indulgent pasta. And that is exactly what this Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe is. Its creamy, carb-y heaven on a plate. And you’re going to love it.

Recently I was craving something creamy with just a little kick to it and I always have some pasta in the pantry, so I thought I would indulge myself . The result of my indulgence you ask? This recipe for Cajun Shrimp Pasta.

Succulent shrimp are simmered in a creamy Cajun sauce with shallots and bell peppers before tossing the mixture with fettuccine. Rich and Creamy, Cajun-y goodness! Who could resist?

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make it.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta Ingredients:

• SHRIMP: For this recipe I recommend using a small to medium shrimp. Shrimp is usually sold by the number it takes to make one pound.  When shopping for shrimp you will see numbers like 31/40, 51-60, U- 10. 31/40 means there are 31 to 40 shrimp per pound. 51 to 60 means there are 51 to 60 shrimp per pound and U- 10 means that there are under 10 shrimp in a pound. If you need help learning out to devein shrimp, please check out my How to Peel and Devein Shrimp Guide.
• BUTTER/OLIVE OIL: To saute the vegetables.
• SHALLOTS: Will add a subtle onion flavor but won’t over power the dish.
• GREEN BELL PEPPERS: Adds a little bit of texture and color to the pasta.
• GARLIC
• CAJUN SEASONING: I do use a cajun seasoning blend to give it that kick. You can find them pretty easily in your local grocery store, it might be called blackened seasoning as well. You can also make your own.
• HEAVY CREAM: To make the sauce rich and decadent.
• SOUR CREAM: Will add even more creaminess to the dish but also some tanginess that I love.
• PASTA: I love using linguine in this recipe but you can use any longer noodle that can handle a heavier sauce. I would avoid angel hair because the sauce will be too heavy for the fine noodles.

Step by Step Photos and Instructions:

One of my favorite things about this pasta is how easy it is to make. It can be made in about 30 minutes making it perfect for busy weeknights.

• STEP #1: Start water and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.
• STEP #2: While waiting for the pasta to cook, melt butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, shallots and bell pepper and cook just until slightly softened.
• STEP #3: Reduce heat to low and stir in cream, sour cream and cajun seasoning. Add in shrimp and cook until cooked through.
• STEP #4: Add cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat completely. Let set 5 minutes. Toss once more and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Storage and Leftovers:

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within a few days.

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta is easy enough to make on a weeknight and fancy enough to make for a date night at home. A little salad and wine and you are good to go.

Note: Originally posted 2009. Tips, nutrition facts, photos and a new video added 2019. Updated with new photos and step by step photos in 2025.

More Shrimp Recipes: 
Shrimp Fajitas make a great weeknight dinner! Quick, easy and loaded with shrimp, a medley of bell peppers, onions and seasonings. Serve on warm tortillas!

Shrimp and Grits is a southern classic. This version is made with cheesy grits topped with shrimp in a cajun cream gravy.

Salt & Pepper Shrimp is crispy, salty and slightly spicy. This quick and easy recipe is one of our favorites to make at home when we want to skip takeout and make it ourselves!

More Cajun Recipes:

Cajun Popcorn Shrimp is quick, easy and oh so crispy! Sweet shrimp, marinated in Cajun seasoning, then coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden.

Cajun Pot Roast with Tomato Gravy is Sunday supper perfection! Tender pot roast coated in Cajun spices and braised with tomatoes.  

Cajun Seasoned Oyster Crackers are a quick and easy snack! You need 4 ingredients and about 20 minutes to make this simple crackers recipe. Then, you’re on your way to spicy, crunchy cracker snacking.