Description
This Cajun Shrimp Pasta Creamy Weeknight Skillet is a vibrant, flavorful dish with plump shrimp and tender pasta, all enveloped in a luscious, spicy cream sauce, cooked entirely in one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, restaurant-quality meal on the table in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail-off
- 8 oz short pasta (like penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prep & Season Shrimp: Pat 1 lb shrimp dry. Toss them with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning until evenly coated and vibrant.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook Shrimp: Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet; cook until pink and opaque, turning once, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside on a plate.
- Build Creamy Sauce: Pour in 2 cups broth and 1.5 cups heavy cream. Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld. (If the sauce seems too thin, let it simmer uncovered for an extra minute or two to thicken.)
- Add Pasta: Stir in 8 oz uncooked short pasta. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency (add more broth if needed).
- Finish & Serve: Return cooked shrimp to the skillet. Stir in 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook briefly until heated through and cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of freshness.
Notes
For faster prep, use pre-minced garlic or frozen pre-cooked shrimp (add in step 6 just to heat through). This one-pan method minimizes clean-up. Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level, and for dairy-free, use a plant-based cream alternative. Consider fresh parsley for garnish, a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. For low-carb options, use zucchini noodles or shirataki pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 680 calories
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 245 mg