Name: The Cajun Shrimp Pasta I Make When I Want Comfort with a Kick
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 8 oz linguine or penne pasta; 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade); 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp butter; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional garnish: chopped parsley, additional Parmesan

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s just something about Cajun Shrimp Pasta that always hits the spot—it’s creamy, spicy, a little smoky, and totally satisfying. Whenever I’m craving a cozy dinner that doesn’t take hours to pull together, this is the one I reach for. The shrimp cook in minutes, and the sauce is velvety with just the right amount of heat. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like you put in a lot more effort than you did—and I’m not complaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re into creamy pasta with bold flavors, this one is going to be a keeper. The Cajun seasoning gives the dish a warm, zesty kick that plays beautifully with the tender shrimp. It’s a one-skillet wonder that’s weeknight easy but also nice enough for a little at-home date night. Plus, it’s super flexible—you can throw in what you have on hand and still end up with something delicious.

Ingredients

You’ll need shrimp, Cajun seasoning, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and pasta, along with a few pantry staples. You can find the full list of ingredients and exact measurements in the recipe card below.

Sear the Shrimp First

Season your peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning, then toss them in a hot skillet with a bit of oil. Cook for just a couple minutes on each side until they’re pink and lightly crisped. Set them aside so they stay juicy and don’t overcook.

Sauté the Garlic and Build the Flavor

In the same pan, sauté some minced garlic in a bit of butter or oil. That leftover flavor from the shrimp adds a ton of depth. Once the garlic smells heavenly, you’re ready for the next step.

Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and a little more Cajun seasoning, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently, then stir in shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts into a silky sauce.

Cook the Pasta and Combine

Boil your pasta—penne, linguine, or whatever shape you love—until al dente. Toss it into the sauce along with the cooked shrimp, and give everything a good stir so it’s all beautifully coated.

Serve and Savor

Let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes so the sauce can cling to every bite. Then pile it onto plates, maybe with a little chopped parsley or more Parmesan on top, and dig in.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook fast and get rubbery quickly
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce
You can make your own Cajun seasoning with paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano if you’re out of store-bought
Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce gets too thick

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap shrimp for chicken or andouille sausage if you’re in the mood
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version
Toss in some bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra veggies
Make it spicy with an extra pinch of cayenne or some hot sauce

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad (something lemony or with arugula is perfect) and some crusty garlic bread on the side. A glass of cold white wine or even an iced tea with lemon works great too. For dessert, something light and citrusy balances it all out.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce. The microwave works too—just don’t overdo it or the shrimp can get tough.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

Is this very spicy?
It’s got a mild kick, but you can adjust the heat by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make this ahead?
It’s best fresh, but you can prep the sauce and pasta in advance. Just cook the shrimp right before serving.

What’s the best pasta to use?
Linguine, fettuccine, or penne all work great. Anything that holds the creamy sauce is a winner.

Conclusion

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta is one of those meals that feels both cozy and a little special. It’s perfect when you want something with big flavor that doesn’t take all night to make. Once you try it, it’s bound to make its way into your regular rotation—I know it did for me.

The Cajun Shrimp Pasta I Make When I Want Comfort with a Kick

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Creamy, spicy, and quick to make, this Cajun Shrimp Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner when you’re craving something cozy but still want a little heat. With bold seasoning, tender shrimp, and a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s a comforting dish that feels a little fancy—without the extra effort.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun, American

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Toss shrimp with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and lightly crisped. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and stir in remaining 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then add Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
Let sit 1–2 minutes for the sauce to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve hot, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.