Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Flavorful and Easy Recipe

by Emily on August 22, 2025

Get ready to spice up your dinner with my Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta! This dish blends rich flavors with a smooth sauce, making it a delight for all taste buds. I’ll guide you through easy steps and share handy tips to ensure your pasta is creamy and flavorful. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a pro, you’ll love how simple it is to create this delicious meal. Let’s dive in!

$For this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, you will need: - 12 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients if needed. If you can’t find fettuccine, try penne or spaghetti. For shrimp, chicken or tofu works well. If you want a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, regular diced tomatoes will do. Cajun seasoning gives this dish a nice kick. If you like it milder, use less seasoning. You can start with just one tablespoon and taste as you go. To add more heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. This way, you can make it just the way you like it! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, get a big pot and fill it with water. Add salt to the water. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 12 oz of fettuccine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When it's done, drain the pasta. Make sure to save 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. In a bowl, take 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over the shrimp. Mix it well until all the shrimp are coated. Now, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when they are done. Once cooked, take the shrimp out of the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells great. Next, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and let it simmer. After a few minutes, slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps it get a bit thicker. After that, toss in 1 cup of fresh spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Now, add the fettuccine and the shrimp back to the skillet. Mix everything gently. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time. Finally, take the skillet off the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste. Your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta is now ready to serve! To make your pasta creamy, use heavy cream. It gives a rich texture that blends well. When you add the cream, stir slowly. This helps it mix evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water. This will help achieve the right consistency. Cajun seasoning is the star here. Use a good quality blend to get bold flavors. Feel free to add more if you like it spicy. Fresh herbs also boost the taste. Consider adding chopped parsley or green onions for an extra kick. They brighten the dish and add freshness. For juicy shrimp, do not overcook them. Cook until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes just 2-3 minutes per side. Always use fresh shrimp if you can. Fresh shrimp taste better and have a firmer texture. If you use frozen shrimp, thaw them well before cooking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This helps them sear nicely in the pan. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp: Always use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Adjusting Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning or add it gradually to taste. Pasta Water Magic: Reserve pasta water is a great way to adjust the sauce consistency while adding flavor. Garnishing: For an extra pop of color and flavor, consider adding lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for other proteins easily. Chicken works well. Cut it into small pieces and cook it like shrimp. You can also use scallops or even crab. Each choice adds a unique taste to your dish. For tofu lovers, firm tofu can be cubed and sautéed. It absorbs flavors well, making your dish rich. Making a vegetarian version is simple. Skip the shrimp and add more vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms are great choices. You can also use plant-based shrimp. It gives you the same texture and taste without seafood. To keep it creamy, use vegan cream or cashew cream. This way, you enjoy the same flavors while staying meat-free. You can change the flavor profile easily. If you like heat, add more Cajun seasoning or some hot sauce. For a smoky taste, try adding smoked paprika. You can also experiment with herbs like thyme or oregano for a fresh twist. Adding lemon juice brightens the dish and gives it a zesty kick. Mix and match these options to find your favorite flavor! To store your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta, let it cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you’ll know when to eat it. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, you can reheat them easily. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat a little olive oil over low heat. Add the pasta and stir gently. If it's too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. You can also use a microwave. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for about one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. If you want to freeze your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta, it’s best to do this before adding the cheese. Let the pasta cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to two months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above, and then stir in the cheese before serving. To make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, follow these steps: 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook 12 oz of fettuccine until al dente. Drain and save 1/2 cup of the pasta water. 2. Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, mix 1 lb of peeled shrimp with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. 3. Sauté Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove them from the skillet. 4. Make the Sauce: Sauté 3 cloves of minced garlic in the same skillet for 1 minute. Add 1 cup of chicken broth and let it simmer. 5. Add Cream and Veggies: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Add 1 cup of fresh spinach and cook until wilted. 6. Combine Everything: Add the cooked fettuccine and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss gently. If the sauce is thick, add reserved pasta water until you get the right consistency. 7. Finish and Serve: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped parsley. Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Penne, linguine, or even spaghetti work well. You can choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. Just follow the cooking time on the package to ensure it's cooked just right. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, you have options. You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour for thickness. Coconut milk is a good dairy-free option. Silken tofu blended with a little water can also work for a creamy texture. In this post, I covered how to make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta. We talked about the ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for a tasty dish. You learned about substitutions and how to adjust spice levels. I shared variations for added flavors and proteins. Finally, I provided storage tips for leftovers. Enjoying this dish is simple with the right steps and adjustments. Dive in, try it out, and have fun in the kitchen!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Bold Flavor Profile: This dish combines the bold and spicy notes of Cajun seasoning with the creamy richness of the sauce, creating a delightful fusion that tantalizes your taste buds.
Quick and Easy: With a total cooking time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes, this pasta not only satisfies your cravings but also offers a healthy dose of vitamins and nutrients.
Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the dish, coupled with the garnish of fresh parsley, make it visually appealing and perfect for serving guests or special occasions.

Ingredients

Complete List of Ingredients

For this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, you will need:

– 12 oz fettuccine pasta

– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup chicken broth

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1 cup fresh spinach

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Substitutions and Alternatives

You can swap some ingredients if needed. If you can’t find fettuccine, try penne or spaghetti. For shrimp, chicken or tofu works well. If you want a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, regular diced tomatoes will do.

Spice Level Adjustments

Cajun seasoning gives this dish a nice kick. If you like it milder, use less seasoning. You can start with just one tablespoon and taste as you go. To add more heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. This way, you can make it just the way you like it!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Fettuccine

First, get a big pot and fill it with water. Add salt to the water. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 12 oz of fettuccine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When it’s done, drain the pasta. Make sure to save 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later.

Preparing and Sautéing the Shrimp

In a bowl, take 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over the shrimp. Mix it well until all the shrimp are coated. Now, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when they are done. Once cooked, take the shrimp out of the skillet and set them aside.

Making the Creamy Cajun Sauce

In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells great. Next, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and let it simmer. After a few minutes, slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps it get a bit thicker. After that, toss in 1 cup of fresh spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Now, add the fettuccine and the shrimp back to the skillet. Mix everything gently. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time. Finally, take the skillet off the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste. Your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta is now ready to serve!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Perfect Creaminess

To make your pasta creamy, use heavy cream. It gives a rich texture that blends well. When you add the cream, stir slowly. This helps it mix evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water. This will help achieve the right consistency.

Enhancing Cajun Flavor

Cajun seasoning is the star here. Use a good quality blend to get bold flavors. Feel free to add more if you like it spicy. Fresh herbs also boost the taste. Consider adding chopped parsley or green onions for an extra kick. They brighten the dish and add freshness.

Best Practices for Cooking Shrimp

For juicy shrimp, do not overcook them. Cook until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes just 2-3 minutes per side. Always use fresh shrimp if you can. Fresh shrimp taste better and have a firmer texture. If you use frozen shrimp, thaw them well before cooking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This helps them sear nicely in the pan.

Pro Tips

Fresh Shrimp: Always use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
Adjusting Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning or add it gradually to taste.
Pasta Water Magic: Reserve pasta water is a great way to adjust the sauce consistency while adding flavor.
Garnishing: For an extra pop of color and flavor, consider adding lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Variations

Adding Different Proteins

You can swap shrimp for other proteins easily. Chicken works well. Cut it into small pieces and cook it like shrimp. You can also use scallops or even crab. Each choice adds a unique taste to your dish. For tofu lovers, firm tofu can be cubed and sautéed. It absorbs flavors well, making your dish rich.

Vegetarian Versions

Making a vegetarian version is simple. Skip the shrimp and add more vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms are great choices. You can also use plant-based shrimp. It gives you the same texture and taste without seafood. To keep it creamy, use vegan cream or cashew cream. This way, you enjoy the same flavors while staying meat-free.

Flavor Modifications

You can change the flavor profile easily. If you like heat, add more Cajun seasoning or some hot sauce. For a smoky taste, try adding smoked paprika. You can also experiment with herbs like thyme or oregano for a fresh twist. Adding lemon juice brightens the dish and gives it a zesty kick. Mix and match these options to find your favorite flavor!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To store your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta, let it cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you’ll know when to eat it.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, you can reheat them easily. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat a little olive oil over low heat. Add the pasta and stir gently. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. You can also use a microwave. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for about one to two minutes, stirring halfway through.

Freezing Tips

If you want to freeze your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta, it’s best to do this before adding the cheese. Let the pasta cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above, and then stir in the cheese before serving.

FAQs

How do I make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta from scratch?

To make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, follow these steps:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook 12 oz of fettuccine until al dente. Drain and save 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

2. Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, mix 1 lb of peeled shrimp with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning.

3. Sauté Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove them from the skillet.

4. Make the Sauce: Sauté 3 cloves of minced garlic in the same skillet for 1 minute. Add 1 cup of chicken broth and let it simmer.

5. Add Cream and Veggies: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Add 1 cup of fresh spinach and cook until wilted.

6. Combine Everything: Add the cooked fettuccine and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss gently. If the sauce is thick, add reserved pasta water until you get the right consistency.

7. Finish and Serve: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped parsley.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Penne, linguine, or even spaghetti work well. You can choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. Just follow the cooking time on the package to ensure it’s cooked just right.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you need a substitute for heavy cream, you have options. You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour for thickness. Coconut milk is a good dairy-free option. Silken tofu blended with a little water can also work for a creamy texture.

In this post, I covered how to make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta. We talked about the ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for a tasty dish. You learned about substitutions and how to adjust spice levels. I shared variations for added flavors and proteins. Finally, I provided storage tips for leftovers.

Enjoying this dish is simple with the right steps and adjustments. Dive in, try it out, and have fun in the kitche