Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi
Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi is a mouthwatering pasta dish that brings together the bold flavors of blackened shrimp and the comforting creaminess of cavatappi pasta. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner, combining a smoky, spicy kick with a rich, creamy sauce that coats each twisty noodle. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will surely impress your family and friends.
Preparing the Blackened Shrimp
- Season the Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Toss the shrimp in the spice mixture until they are evenly coated.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are opaque and slightly charred. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Cooking the Cavatappi Pasta
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Making the Creamy Sauce
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet used for the shrimp, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to incorporate the spices.
- Add the Parmesan Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combining Everything
- Mix in the Pasta: Add the cooked cavatappi pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add the Shrimp: Gently fold in the blackened shrimp, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
Serving the Dish
- Plate the Pasta: Divide the Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi among serving plates or bowls.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a touch of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve immediately while the dish is hot, accompanied by a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Tips for Success
- Shrimp Size: Using large shrimp works best for this recipe, but you can adjust the size according to your preference. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking smaller shrimp.
- Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the blackening seasoning.
- Creamy Sauce: For an even richer sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though it will slightly reduce the creaminess.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly into the sauce.
- Pasta Water: Adding reserved pasta water helps to adjust the sauce consistency and ensures that it clings well to the pasta.
Variations
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute the shrimp with blackened chicken or even blackened tofu for a different protein option.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices in the sauce, such as basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes, to customize the flavor profile.
Conclusion
Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi is a delightful dish that combines the smoky, spicy flavors of blackened shrimp with the creamy richness of a well-seasoned sauce and the unique texture of cavatappi pasta. This recipe is easy to follow and results in a restaurant-quality meal that will impress anyone at your table. Perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the bold and creamy flavors of Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi and make your dinner memorable!
Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi
Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi is a mouthwatering pasta dish that brings together the bold flavors of blackened shrimp and the comforting creaminess of cavatappi pasta. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner, combining a smoky, spicy kick with a rich, creamy sauce that coats each twisty noodle. Let's dive into this delightful recipe that will surely impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cavatappi noodles, cooked al dente according to package instructions
- 1 pound large shrimp, raw, deveined, tail removed
- 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ cup (57.5 g) sour cream
- ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained
- green onion, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Add cavatappi noodles to a pot of boiling salted water. Cook al dente according to package directions (8-9 minutes for cavatappi).
While the noodles are cooking, prepare the shrimp and sauce.
Season the shrimp evenly with blackened seasoning. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. When melted, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
To the same skillet over medium heat, add heavy cream. Bring the heavy cream to a low simmer, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan as you go.
Reduce the heat to low and add tomato paste, sour cream, and parmesan. Stir together until the parmesan is completely melted.
Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and corn to the sauce. Toss to coat.
Garnish with parsley and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 490