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Creamy Cajun shrimp pasta with parmesan cream sauce, tender shrimp, garlic, and parsley served over pasta in a rich restaurant-style seafood dinner.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is bold, creamy, spicy, and packed with garlic parmesan flavor. It’s an easy seafood dinner that tastes like something from a restaurant while still being simple enough for a weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, cajun, Seafood
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz pasta fettuccine or penne works great
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional for extra heat
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional garnish: fresh parsley parmesan, lime wedge

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Pasta pot
  • Pasta strainer
  • Garlic Press optional
  • Chef's knife
  • Cheese grater
  • Tongs or spoon

Method
 

Prep
  1. Cook pasta until al dente and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water
  2. Pat shrimp dry and season with Cajun seasoning
  3. Mince garlic
  4. Grate fresh parmesan cheese
  5. Chop parsley if using garnish
Instructions
  1. Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
  4. Lower heat slightly and add garlic. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in heavy cream, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  6. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Add parmesan cheese slowly while stirring until smooth and creamy.
  8. Return shrimp to skillet and toss in sauce.
  9. Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
  10. Toss everything together until coated and creamy.
  11. Garnish with parsley, extra parmesan, and lime wedge if desired.

Notes

  • Freshly grated parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Add sliced smoked sausage for extra Cajun flavor.
  • Do not overcook shrimp or they can turn rubbery.
  • Pasta water helps create a silky restaurant-style sauce.