What proteins work best with creamy Cajun pasta?

Shrimp works beautifully in Creamy Cajun Seafood Pasta Dinner because it cooks quickly and absorbs Cajun flavor well. However, scallops, crab, lobster, or even sliced chicken also taste great in this rich sauce.

What Cajun seasoning mix should I use for pasta?

Use a balanced Cajun blend that includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. Store-bought mixes work well, but homemade seasoning gives you better control over spice levels.

Can I make creamy Cajun pasta without heavy cream?

Yes. Substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter option. You can also use cream cheese with a splash of broth to maintain thickness.

How long should shrimp cook in Cajun cream sauce pasta?

Cook shrimp about 1 minute per side. They should turn pink and opaque quickly. Remove them immediately to keep your Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce Seafood Pasta tender and juicy

Creamy Cajun Seafood Pasta Dinner – Amazing Bold Flavor

Name: Creamy Cajun Seafood Pasta Dinner.
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed, patted dry; 2 tsp Cajun seasoning; 6 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided; Kosher salt to taste; 1 small yellow onion, coarsely chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 4 garlic cloves; 12 oz linguine; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 oz Parmesan, finely grated (about 1½ cups); 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 cup thinly sliced chives

Description

Creamy Cajun Seafood Pasta Dinner features tender shrimp tossed in a rich spicy Cajun cream sauce with Parmesan, fresh herbs, and linguine. This bold and comforting dinner comes together in 45 minutes and delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed, patted dry

2 tsp Cajun seasoning

6 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided

Kosher salt to taste

1 small yellow onion, coarsely chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

4 garlic cloves

12 oz linguine

1 cup heavy cream

3 oz Parmesan, finely grated (about 1½ cups)

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/2 cup thinly sliced chives

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Instructions

1. Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, 2 Tbsp oil, and salt in a large bowl.

2. Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp in batches, about 1 minute per side, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and wipe skillet clean.

3. Pulse onion, bell pepper, and garlic in a food processor until smooth.

4. Cook linguine in boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.

5. Heat remaining 2 Tbsp oil in skillet over medium heat. Cook vegetable puree 7–10 minutes until thickened.

6. Add heavy cream and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and whisk in Parmesan until smooth.

7. Add shrimp, pasta, parsley, chives, and 3/4 cup reserved pasta water. Stir until glossy. Add more pasta water if needed. Serve topped with Parmesan.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp; cook just until pink and opaque.

Reserve pasta water to help create a smooth and glossy sauce.

Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only. Actual values may vary based on ingredients, brands, and portion sizes used.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 6 servings)
Calories: 692
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 618 mg
Fat: 39 g
Saturated Fat: 17 g
Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 46 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 192 mg