Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta With Tomatoes Recipe

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Tomatoes is a mouthwatering dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun spices with the richness of a creamy sauce. Juicy shrimp, al dente pasta, and sweet tomatoes come together in this crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

This recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a harmonious balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors. It’s simple enough for beginners to prepare but sophisticated enough to impress guests. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a flavorful pasta recipe to add to your repertoire, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold Flavors: The Cajun spices bring a delightful kick, while the creamy sauce balances the heat.
2. Easy to Make: Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal.
3. Customizable: Adjust the spice level or swap shrimp for chicken to suit your preferences.
4. Restaurant-Quality: This dish is so good, you might think you’re dining out!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine or linguine according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain and Toss: Drain the pasta and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp

1. Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
2. Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken or seafood broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper, if needed.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
2. Add the Shrimp: Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
3. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta pairs wonderfully with:

• Garlic Bread: A classic side that’s perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make great accompaniments.

Tips for Success

1. Choose Fresh Shrimp: Use fresh or thawed shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone. Watch closely while cooking.
3. Grate Your Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and adds a superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
4. Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning and omit the crushed red pepper flakes.

Variations

1. Chicken Cajun Pasta: Replace shrimp with diced chicken breast or thighs for a delicious alternative.
2. Vegetarian Version: Omit the shrimp and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
3. Extra Spicy: Add a splash of hot sauce or more crushed red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work well in this recipe.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Is this dish spicy?

The level of spiciness depends on the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes. You can adjust these to suit your taste.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Tomatoes is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for anyone who loves bold, comforting meals. It’s easy to prepare and brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a rich and satisfying pasta dish, this recipe delivers. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with every creamy, spicy, and savory bite!

Yield: 4

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta With Tomatoes Recipe

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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Tomatoes is a mouthwatering dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun spices with the richness of a creamy sauce. Juicy shrimp, al dente pasta, and sweet tomatoes come together in this crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Shrimp:
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• For the Pasta:
• 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Garnishes:
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Shrimp:

1. Toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
2. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
3. Add the chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Combine and Serve:

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the creamy sauce.
2. Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to combine with the pasta.
3. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Protein Variation: Swap the shrimp for chicken or scallops if desired.
• Vegetable Additions: Add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.