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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.

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. 

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?

But first, since I tend to get some questions on this, let’s talk a little bit about shrimp.

How do pick the right size 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.

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. 

When I make pastas, I like to use smaller shrimp, usually 51 – 60. I like to use this so that once I toss the pasta there is more shrimp throughout the entire dish.

How do you thaw frozen shrimp?

More often than not, I will use frozen shrimp when I am cooking. But frozen shrimp should always be thawed first.

To thaw frozen shrimp, simply put it in a colander underneath cool (not hot) running water for several minutes. Then pat the shrimp dry and they will be good to go.

You can also place the shrimp in a bag (or use the bag it comes in if it comes in one) and submerge it under cool water. This method may take longer but you won’t need to continually run water.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta is creamy, spicy and decadent. It makes a great date night meal!

How do you devein shrimp?

Please, friends, always devein your shrimp before cooking.

If you want to make things easier, which I tend to do, buy E-Z peel shrimp. These shrimp are already spilt and deveined so you don’t need to do it.

If you buy shrimp that isn’t deveined don’t worry, it is pretty easy to do. Simply use a pairing knife to cut a slit down the back of the shrimp and move the black vein that runs down the back.

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. 

Now a little bit more about this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta: 

It is creamy. It has a little kick. It’s decadent and indulgent. And, quite honestly, one of my favorite ways to enjoy 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. 

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.

For the creaminess, I use heavy cream and sour cream. I like the extra tanginess that the sour cream adds.

For the pasta part, you can pick any pasta you like for the most part. Keep in mind that you will want a pasta that can handle a heavier sauce so I would skip angel hair. Linguine or fettuccine work fabulously.

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.

More Shrimp Recipes: 

Spicy Grilled Shrimp

Tarragon Shrimp Salad

Easy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

More Cajun Recipes:

Cajun Popcorn Shrimp

Cajun Pot Roast with Tomato Gravy

Cajun Seasoned Oyster Crackers

More  shrimp and pasta recipes: 
 
 
 

Cajun Shrimp Pasta is creamy, spicy and decadent. It makes a great date night meal!

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. 
5 from 29 votes
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 458 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound dried pasta such as linguine or fettuccine
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup minced shallots
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped small
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 pound 51-60 count prawns, peeled and deveined
  • kosher salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Start the water for your pasta and cook according to package directions.
  • Meanwhile, heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Once butter has melted add garlic, shallots and bell pepper. Cook until slightly softened, the bell peppers will still be a bit crunchy, about 3 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low. Add heavy cream, sour cream and Cajun seasoning to pan. Stir to combine and cook until warmed through about 3 minutes. Add shrimp and cook for 5-6 minutes or until the shrimp are pink.
  • Once your pasta is finished cooking, strain and add to sauce, toss to combine. Let stand 5 minutes, toss once more. Serve.

Notes

Nutrition facts not guaranteed.

Nutrition

Calories: 458kcalCarbohydrates: 46.4gProtein: 25.6gFat: 17.5gSaturated Fat: 8.9gCholesterol: 197mgSodium: 206mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 1.1g
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: cajun, pasta, shrimp

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    Analida Braeger
    August 19, 2019 at 8:54 am

    5 stars
    This cajun pasta looks so creamy and delicious, These pictures have my mouth watering !!!

  • Reply
    Tatiana
    August 19, 2019 at 2:26 am

    5 stars
    Love how you put cajun inspired flavours into a pasta dish!! Looks incredible! The photos just about have me drooling.

  • Reply
    Michele
    August 18, 2019 at 6:25 pm

    5 stars
    This cajun shrimp pasta looks truly crave-worthy! I make a lot of shrimp at my house because it’s my husband and sons’ favorite food. I can’t wait to make this recipe for them. DELISH!

  • Reply
    Leslie
    August 18, 2019 at 3:40 pm

    5 stars
    Gosh, this looks super easy! The perfect recipe for a delicious meal in no time! YUM!!!

  • Reply
    Brandi
    August 18, 2019 at 10:17 am

    5 stars
    OMG this looks amazing!!!! I love Cajun flavors over creamy pasta! DIVINE!

  • Reply
    Paula Montenegro
    August 17, 2019 at 12:45 pm

    5 stars
    This is definitely creamy, carb-y heaven! Wonderful dish and so easy to make! I always use cajun seasoning for chicken and steak. Thanks for this recipe!

  • Reply
    Michelle
    August 15, 2019 at 1:04 pm

    5 stars
    Wow! This sounds amazing. I love shrimp and I love pasta. Great flavors with a little kick. This is going in my dinner rotation.

  • Reply
    Veena Azmanov
    August 14, 2019 at 8:03 pm

    5 stars
    Awesome platter for kids. They to grab this amazing meal for sure.

  • Reply
    Nicoletta
    August 13, 2019 at 10:41 pm

    5 stars
    This pasta looks yummy. The sauce is creamy and you can see it has a nice kick, with succulent shrimp adding that plumpness. Definitely an awesome meal!

  • Reply
    Kimberly
    August 13, 2019 at 9:58 pm

    5 stars
    This looks so good and perfect for a busy weeknight meal!

  • Reply
    Aleta
    August 13, 2019 at 8:25 pm

    5 stars
    This looks incredible! What a great idea, adding the cajun flair to a creamy seafood dish. Can’t wait to try it!

  • Reply
    Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer
    August 13, 2019 at 3:30 pm

    5 stars
    Oh this looks like the perfect week night dinner! It’s quick and looks scrumptious. Pinning for dinner!

  • Reply
    Sara Welch
    August 13, 2019 at 9:29 am

    5 stars
    What a great looking recipe! I will definitely be adding this to my dinner line up this week!

  • Reply
    Taylor
    August 13, 2019 at 8:55 am

    5 stars
    So creamy and delicious! One of my favorite pasta dishes!

  • Reply
    Patricia @ Grab a Plate
    August 12, 2019 at 8:56 pm

    5 stars
    Mmmm! Set an extra place for me? This looks so good, and right up my alley!

  • Reply
    Amanda
    August 12, 2019 at 5:31 pm

    5 stars
    This looks so tasty I can’t wait to make for the family

  • Reply
    Kim Seghers
    August 12, 2019 at 3:56 pm

    5 stars
    Yum! This shrimp recipe looks delicious. I love pasta so much. I need to try this recipe.

  • Reply
    Jacque
    February 25, 2019 at 11:45 am

    5 stars
    This is the only thing I can think about now. I know what is getting made for dinner tonight!

  • Reply
    Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
    February 22, 2019 at 9:42 pm

    5 stars
    This is such an amazing flavor combo!! Would love to try it!

  • Reply
    Katerina @ diethood .com
    February 22, 2019 at 10:32 am

    5 stars
    mmm..pasta and shrimp is my favorite!! I can’t wait to try this!! It looks incredibly delicious!

  • Reply
    Jade
    February 22, 2019 at 4:55 am

    5 stars
    Pasta and shrimp, what a combination! Looks delicious!!

  • Reply
    Melanie Bauer
    February 22, 2019 at 4:15 am

    5 stars
    That looks spectacular! I would love to try this, combinations of those flavors are amazing!

  • Reply
    Mahy Elamin
    February 22, 2019 at 12:15 am

    5 stars
    Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe. I made tonight and it was delicious.

  • Reply
    Amanda
    February 21, 2019 at 6:49 pm

    5 stars
    I will always love this combination! This looks fantastic!

  • Reply
    Krista
    January 25, 2019 at 7:55 am

    5 stars
    This will be a huge hit for sure! I cannot wait to eat it!

  • Reply
    Paula
    January 24, 2019 at 10:39 am

    I’m all about some pasta! Looks delicious.

  • Reply
    Taylor W.
    January 24, 2019 at 10:11 am

    5 stars
    So creamy and delicious! Love all the flavor!

  • Reply
    Catalina
    January 24, 2019 at 3:54 am

    5 stars
    Oh my goodness! This pasta looks absolutely amazing! I wish I had a bowl right now!

  • Reply
    Sabrina
    January 23, 2019 at 4:41 pm

    5 stars
    I always order this when we go out so this will be perfect for a date night in!

  • Reply
    Chrissie Baker
    January 23, 2019 at 11:39 am

    5 stars
    I have made a lot of cajun pasta in my day. This is by far the BEST! I will definately be making again!

  • Reply
    Val
    March 2, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    Sounds yummy. Due to allergies I’ll substitute chicken. (Gawd, how I miss shellfish. Sigh..) Thanks for the ideas. ;o}

    • Reply
      Deseree
      March 3, 2009 at 8:56 am

      Oh I’m sure chicken will be just as yummy Val. You’re welcome :)

    Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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