This creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta has tender shrimp and penne pasta tossed in the most luxurious cream sauce with the perfect amount of spice. Tomato paste adds a wonderful acidity to balance all the richness. It's easy to make and ready in 30 minutes or less!
Looking for more easy pasta recipes? Try my Cajun chicken pasta or shrimp scampi next!
About This Recipe
Woo, this has been a crazy, busy week for me! Lots of personal stuff going on, and I got to see a lot of family and friends I haven't seen in a while. Finally, though, it's starting to cool down. I didn't feel like cooking anything complicated, so I went with this super simple Cajun shrimp pasta! I made a chicken version not too long ago, and even at that time, I thought "this would be amazing with shrimp", and spoiler alert: it was!
This creamy Cajun shrimp pasta comes together in 30 minutes or less. If you boil the pasta at the same time as you cook the sauce, it can be ready in only 15 minutes! If that isn't a weeknight hero, I don't know what is...
This pasta is pretty rich and creamy, so I like serving it with a simple side dish like air-fried broccoli, or even steamed if you want it healthier.
Key Ingredients
Penne Pasta: This is my pasta of choice because it just holds onto the sauce so well. That little tunnel does so much work!
Frozen shrimp: Make sure you defrost the shrimp completely and give it a good pat dry with paper towels. If your shrimp is frozen, just let it sit under running cold water for about 10 minutes.
Olive oil: For sautรฉing the shrimp, and onions and garlic in the sauce.
Onions & garlic: For that rich, savory depth.
Tomato paste: The tomato paste adds acidity to balance the richness and also helps thicken the sauce.
Heavy cream (whipping cream, for you Canadian folk): For that rich and luxurious flavor and texture
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best. And make sure you get the real stuff. The fake stuff does not melt that great.
Instructions
STEP 1: Boil the pasta according to the package directions. Set over a colander and drain for at least 5 minutes.
STEP 2: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning.
STEP 3: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until both sides are pink. Remove to a plate.
STEP 4: Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Add the onions and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
STEP 5: Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
STEP 6: Add the heavy cream and let it bubble for a few minutes to thicken.
STEP 6: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp. Toss to coat evenly. Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan. Enjoy!
๐ Recipe
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounce penne pasta
- 1 pound frozen shrimp (defrosted)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 ยฝ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- ยฝ medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ยผ cup tomato paste
- 1 ยฝ cups heavy cream
- ยฝ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta following the instructions on the package. Drain and set it aside.
- If your shrimp is frozen. make sure it's defrosted. You can run it under cold running tap water for 10 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and cajun seasoning to a bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sear the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
- Add the remaining olive oil to the same pan. Reduce the heat to medium and sautรฉ the onion and garlic for 3โ4 minutes until soft. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and cooked pasta to the pan. Stir everything together and cook until heated through.
- Take off the heat, mix in the Parmesan, and serve hot.
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