Cajun Shrimp Pasta

To discover another Cajun classic take a look at our Dirty Rice with Shrimp recipe.  The majority of the pasta recipes on this website is strictly Italian in origin or inspiration. However, the recipe I am sharing today is inspired by the flavours of the American South. New Orleans to be exact actually.  It’s difficult not to be seduced by the rich, bold flavours of the Cajun cooking. I love everything about it. The spice, the colour, the seasonality of the ingredients used, and especially the rustic nature.  The recipe for the Cajun shrimp pasta is a quick one to make but it delivers deep and vibrant taste, which usually comes from long hours of cooking.  The distinct Cajun flavour comes from the seasoning, which is very easy to mix together. You can also buy it already mixed. I prefer making my own, so I can control the salt content in my food. 

Cajun Spice

Every cook has a slightly different mix when it comes to the Cajun seasoning but the most common and used ingredients remain the same. 

Paprika (I prefer smoked paprika) Cayenne Oregano Thyme Garlic Powder Black Pepper Salt

Some people also add onion powder. As I mentioned I prefer mixing my own, so the spices stay fresher, more potent and therefore, more flavourful. 

Cajun Pasta Ingredients

Onions, green peppers and celery are considered the holy trinity of the Cajun cuisine and I wanted to use them in my recipe. In the end, I did leave the celery out as I found the crunchy texture clashed with the creamy sauce a bit too much.  Shrimp is another important ingredient and this pasta recipe featured it prominently. Shrimp is well coated with my homemade Cajun seasoning, then browned to create that slightly blackened exterior the Cajun cooking is known for.  Feel free to add sausage, especially Andouille sausage or even chicken! The sauce is a combination of crushed tomatoes, heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. The mix of the sweet and tangy tomatoes, the rich cream and deeply savoury Parmesan cheese blend well, while holding its own, when paired with the spicy seasoning.  More Favourite Shrimp Pasta Recipes:

Shrimp Penne alla Vodka  Prawn Pasta in Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce  Shrimp Scampi Linguine Seafood Lasagna with Crab, Shrimp and Scallops

title: “Cajun Shrimp Pasta” ShowToc: true date: “2024-10-17” author: “Ashley Rhim”

The short cooking time means you don’t have to wait for the weekend to enjoy this gourmet meal! For busier weeknights, make the prep even easier by pre-chopping the veggies and purchasing fresh shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. If you’re looking for more easy pasta recipes, try my cajun chicken pasta recipe, shrimp alfredo pasta, or fettuccine alfredo.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Pasta – use a long pasta such as linguine, penne, or fettuccine. I recommend cooking the noodles al dente or until just tender to give this pasta dish the best texture. Shrimp – fresh shrimp will be the juiciest with the best flavor, but frozen (thawed before using) will also work in a pinch. To save time, look for shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. Cajun Seasoning – buy pre-mixed seasoning or make your own using paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme and oregano, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. (See Pro Tips for the recipe!) Garlic – you will need 4 garlic cloves or about 1 tablespoon minced. If you don’t have fresh garlic, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder instead. Heavy Cream – makes the cream sauce velvety and rich in flavor. Alternatively, you can swap in half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be a bit thinner. Tomatoes – opt for a can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes to add a smoky flavor to the sauce. Be sure to drain the liquid from the can before adding. Parmesan Cheese – adds delicious, rich flavor and creaminess to the base of the sauce. Use freshly shredded parmesan cheese for the richest flavor.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water and set aside, then drain the pasta well.
2. While the pasta is cooking, season the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat the butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook, tossing occasionally, until they are pink and opaque, for 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Reduce the skillet to medium heat.
4. Add the garlic to the skillet and stir for 30 seconds. Then, stir in the cream until combined.
5. Stir in the drained tomatoes.
6. Mix in the reserved pasta water and the remaining cajun seasoning.
7. Bring to a simmer and gradually stir in the cheese until melted. Continue to simmer until the sauce thickens, for about 2 minutes.
8. Add the cooked shrimp and pasta to the skillet and toss to coat completely in the sauce. Serve immediately with more cheese and garnish with parsley if desired.

Pro Tips For Making This Recipe

Heavily salt the pasta water. Generously salt the pasta water before you bring it to a boil. Shoot for at least 1 tablespoon of salt for every 2 quarts of water. This will give the pasta a delicious flavor and tender texture. Make sure to reserve some pasta water! Don’t skip this important step. Before you drain the noodles, save at least ¼ cup of the pasta water. The starch in the leftover water adds a nice thickness to the cajun pasta sauce. Add cajun seasoning slowly. Cajun seasonings can vary in flavor and saltiness. Start with ½ to 1 tablespoon of the seasoning in the sauce, then add more to taste. Garnish your pasta. Add a pop of flavor and presentation by topping the finished pasta with freshly grated parmesan cheese, parsley, chives, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. To make your own cajun seasoning, stir together 1 teaspoon each of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme and oregano, and salt, and ¼ – ½ a teaspoon each of cayenne pepper and black pepper. Store the spice blend in an airtight jar and use within 6 months. Optional variations. Add extra veggies like chopped bell peppers, spinach, or extra diced tomatoes. You can also add more protein by mixing spicy andouille sausage with the shrimp or cooking it with seasoned chicken breast chunks to make cajun chicken and shrimp pasta. Additionally, you can substitute the canned tomatoes with 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste to taste.

If you’ve tried this Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!