Go Back
Close-up of Cajun Shrimp Pasta with shrimp, penne, and herbs.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta

A bold and flavorful pasta dish featuring perfectly seasoned shrimp tossed with creamy Cajun sauce and tender fettuccine. This restaurant-quality meal comes together in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Cajun Seasoning
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
For the Pasta
  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper sliced
  • 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 green green onions chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Prepare Ingredients
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. In a small bowl, combine all Cajun seasoning ingredients. Pat shrimp dry and season with half of the Cajun seasoning blend, tossing to coat evenly.
Cook the Shrimp
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp to a plate.
Make the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Sauté bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Add minced garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Pour in white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes to cook off alcohol. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
  3. Reduce heat to low and stir in parmesan cheese and butter until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1-2 tablespoons at a time.
Combine and Serve
  1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with sauce. Return shrimp to the pan and gently fold in green onions and parsley.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional Cajun seasoning as needed. Serve immediately with extra parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For milder heat, reduce cayenne pepper to 1/4 teaspoon. Leftover pasta can be stored in refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. Fresh shrimp works best for this recipe.