Ingredients
Scale
- Cajun Seasoning Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons Cajun spice mix
- 3 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Pasta and Shrimp:
- 1 pound penne or preferred pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, thawed, peeled, and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (split into two portions)
- 3 tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted)
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced or crushed tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan-style cheese (non-animal rennet, divided)
- Toppings: 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the shrimp: If your shrimp are frozen, thaw them by running cold water over them. Toss them in half of the Cajun seasoning, coating evenly. This step ensures the shrimp soak up all that smoky, spicy flavor while cooking.
- Cook the pasta: While you’re prepping everything else, cook your pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about a cup of pasta water—this can help adjust the sauce later if it’s too thick.
- Sauté the shrimp: Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, melt butter and add garlic along with the rest of the Cajun seasoning. Stir for about a minute until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, cooking for another minute or two, and then pour in the cream. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer until it thickens.
- Bring it all together: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta and shrimp, tossing to coat everything evenly in the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Finish and serve: Garnish with more Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and serve immediately. You’ll want to dive in while it’s warm and creamy!
Notes
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life—microwaving works fine, but reheating on the stove over low heat will give better results. Just make sure the shrimp don’t overcook while reheating!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch