Cajun Shrimp Pasta - Spend with Pennies

This easy one-pot wonder is ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish!

Cajun Shrimp Pasta has Cajun-spiced shrimp, bell peppers, and onions in a super simple creamy tomato sauce!

A Dutch oven pasta with cajun shrimp and cheese on top

Cajun style shrimp pasta is a 30 minute meal.
It uses simple ingredients and a few spices, and is full of flavor
The sauce is really Easy to make and so delicious.
Is versatile; Add additional vegetables or swap out the shrimp for chicken or sausage.

Ingredients for preparing Cajun-style shrimp pasta on a baking sheet

What you’ll need to make Cajun-style shrimp pasta

Shrimp:Shrimp is the star of this recipe. Choose frozen or fresh medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined, with tails removed. Thaw frozen shrimp before cooking.
SausageAny variety of smoked sausage works. If using a large sausage, cut the slices into half moons.
Pasta:Penne pasta is the perfect pasta for Cajun sauce to stick to, but so are fusilli, rotini, or other medium-sized pasta shapes or even fettuccine.
Vegetables:The colorful bell peppers give the dish a special touch. The onions add flavor.
Pasta sauceThis simple sauce combines crushed tomatoes and heavy whipping cream with seasonings. A small can of diced and drained tomatoes can also be added.

Favorite Cajun Seasoning Andy Roo’s – It’s full of flavor and less salty than most brands (and it’s made in Louisiana).

If you don’t have Andy Roo’s, I suggest using homemade Cajun seasoning. If you use a store-bought brand, taste it first, as some brands can be quite salty and over-salt the dish.

Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Other vegetables, such as mushrooms, can be added.

A Dutch oven with ingredients to make Cajun-style shrimp pasta

How to make cajun shrimp pasta

Cajun Shrimp Pasta is one of those quick-to-prepare meals that packs an intense flavor punch.

Toss the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning and garlic powder. Cook until they turn pink.
In a Dutch oven or deep skillet, cook the onion, peppers, and sausage.
Once it softens, add the crushed tomatoes, cream, and Cajun seasoning. Simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
Add the shrimp, pasta and Parmesan cheese.

Serve with salad and garlic bread.

Tips for a perfect pasta dish

Choose medium shrimp that are peeled and deveined to make this dish easy to prepare.
If you peel shrimp at home, make a cut from the top of the back to the tail. Remove the shell from the shrimp by grabbing the legs. Pull toward the tail and the entire shell, legs, and tail should come off easily.
Use bacon grease or butter instead of oil if desired.
Cook the pasta until al dente (firm) and be sure to add salt to the water.

Leftovers

Store leftover Cajun Shrimp Pasta in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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Cajun style shrimp pasta

Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a 30-minute meal packed with flavor.

Preparation time 10 minutes

Cooking time 15 minutes

Total time 25 minutes

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In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and garlic powder.
In a Dutch oven or deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
While the shrimp are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (firm). Drain well, but do not rinse.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan and cook until the onion begins to soften, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the peppers and sausage (if using) and cook for 3 more minutes.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer uncovered for 3 to 4 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Add the pasta, parmesan cheese and shrimp with their juices. Stir until heated through and the cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Fresh parsley can be added for garnish.

The nutritional information provided is an estimate and will vary depending on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dinner, Starter, Main Course, Pasta, Seafood

Kitchen American

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