Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta 🍤🌶️🔥 Bold, Creamy, and Packed With Heat, Smoke, and Southern Soul

This one brings the fire — seared Cajun shrimp tossed with pasta in a smoky, garlicky cream sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the kind of dish that hits all the notes: spice, richness, a touch of tang, and just enough burn to keep you coming back. Think creamy Alfredo meets Louisiana kick — fast, fierce, and flavor-loaded.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the pasta

• 8 oz fettuccine, linguine, or penne
• Salted water for boiling
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

For the shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade*)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Optional: pinch of brown sugar for balance

For the sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (or more if you like it hot)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Optional: splash of chicken broth or pasta water to adjust thickness

To finish

• Chopped parsley or green onion
• Extra Cajun seasoning or black pepper
• More Parmesan for topping

*Homemade Cajun Blend: 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp cayenne, ¼ tsp oregano, ¼ tsp thyme, ¼ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the pasta
Cook pasta until al dente in salted water. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Sear the shrimp
Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning and a touch of oil. Heat a skillet over medium-high and sear shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until blackened and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the sauce
Lower heat to medium. Add butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes to the same skillet. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in cream and bring to a low simmer.

Step 4: Finish the sauce
Stir in Parmesan and lemon juice. Let it simmer gently until slightly thickened. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen. Taste and adjust seasoning — it should be creamy, spicy, and balanced.

Step 5: Combine and toss
Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Return shrimp to the pan and toss everything together until hot, glossy, and well-coated.

Step 6: Serve hot
Top with parsley or green onion, extra Parmesan, and more Cajun spice if you’re feeling bold.

Flavor Variations

• Add sautéed bell peppers or onions for a “Cajun fajita” vibe
• Swap in andouille sausage or chicken for a surf-and-turf spin
• Use a splash of white wine or beer in the sauce for extra depth
• Stir in spinach or kale toward the end for greens
• Finish with a spoonful of chili crisp or smoked hot sauce for fusion flair

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook the shrimp — they should be juicy and just opaque
• Use a hot pan for shrimp to get that Cajun blackened crust
• Let the sauce gently simmer — avoid boiling once the cream is in
• Add pasta water slowly — it helps the sauce cling and emulsify
• Taste your Cajun seasoning first — heat levels vary by brand

Final Thoughts

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is loud, creamy, and wildly craveable. It brings heat without sacrificing comfort — the shrimp are smoky and bold, the sauce is rich and balanced, and every bite brings the Southern energy.

Sear it hot. Sauce it up. Let the Cajun magic take over. 🍤🔥🌿

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

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