Looking for a quick and tasty meal? Then you’ll love this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Skillet! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Imagine tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and a kick of Cajun spice all in one pan. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you for trying this delightful recipe!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 8 oz penne pasta
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Additional Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
This dish shines with its mix of bold flavors and creamy textures. The main ingredients, like penne pasta and shrimp, form a strong base. The Cajun seasoning brings a kick that makes every bite exciting.
To start, you need the right pasta. I love penne for its ridges that hold the sauce well. Next, fresh shrimp adds a sweet and tender touch. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for the best result.
Don’t skip the Cajun seasoning. It blends spices like paprika, cayenne, and garlic. This adds warmth and depth to our dish.
Then, we have the additional ingredients. Olive oil is perfect for cooking. It adds richness and helps the veggies brown nicely. Onions and bell peppers bring sweetness and crunch.
Now, we can’t forget the creamy sauce ingredients. Garlic gives that wonderful aroma. Cherry tomatoes add a juicy burst of flavor. Heavy cream makes everything rich and smooth. Chicken broth adds extra depth, while Parmesan cheese gives a salty finish. Salt and pepper are key for balance, and fresh parsley brightens the dish.
With all these ingredients, you’ll create a meal that everyone will love.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. You need enough water to cover the pasta well. Once boiling, add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook the pasta until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. After it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
Preparing the Shrimp
Take 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp. In a bowl, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning over the shrimp. Toss them until they are evenly coated. This adds a great kick and flavor to your dish.
Sautéing the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. The tomatoes should start to soften and release their juices.
Cooking the Shrimp
Now, it’s time to cook the shrimp. Push the vegetable mix to one side of the skillet. Place the seasoned shrimp on the other side. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to low. Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined. This will create a rich and creamy sauce for your pasta.
Finishing Touches
Next, mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Now, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce. Finally, taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Sauce
To get that creamy sauce just right, use heavy cream. This gives a rich texture. Mix in chicken broth for a lighter feel. If the sauce is too thick, add more broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer.
Balancing flavors is key. Start with Cajun seasoning for a kick. Taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to enhance the dish. Fresh parsley adds brightness. It’s a simple touch that makes a big difference.
Cooking Shrimp Tips
Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side. They should turn pink and look opaque. If you see gray or translucent shrimp, they need more time.
Prevent overcooking by keeping an eye on them. Overcooked shrimp get tough. If they curl tightly, they are done. Remove them from heat right away.
Enhancing Flavor
You can swap Cajun seasoning for other blends. Try Creole seasoning for a different taste. If you want more heat, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
For an extra kick, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish. It brightens flavors and adds freshness. You can also toss in some fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for added depth.
Variations
Protein Alternatives
You can swap shrimp for chicken or sausage. Chicken breast works well. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces. Cook it until it’s no longer pink. For sausage, slice it thin and brown it in the skillet. Both options give great flavor. If you want vegetarian, try using mushrooms or tofu. Both soak up the sauce nicely.
Pasta Substitutes
If you don’t have penne, use any pasta you like. Fusilli or farfalle work great too. They hold the sauce well. For a gluten-free option, use rice pasta or chickpea pasta. These will give you a similar texture and taste.
Additional Ingredients
Add more veggies for extra color and crunch. Spinach, zucchini, or asparagus can work well. Just toss them in when you add the tomatoes. To spice things up, add a few dashes of hot sauce. It gives the dish a nice kick without overpowering the flavors.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge right after it cools. This dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating.
Reheating Instructions
When reheating pasta, do it gently. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. This will help keep the creaminess intact.
Freezing Recommendations
You can freeze creamy pasta, but it may change texture. To freeze, let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above.
FAQs
What is Cajun seasoning made of?
Cajun seasoning mixes spices that pack a punch. Common spices include:
– Paprika
– Cayenne pepper
– Garlic powder
– Onion powder
– Black pepper
– Oregano
– Thyme
These spices create a warm and bold flavor. They add depth and excitement to your dishes.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well in this recipe. Just remember to thaw them first. You can run cold water over them to speed up the process. Pat them dry before seasoning. This helps the Cajun seasoning stick better.
What can I serve with creamy Cajun shrimp pasta?
This dish pairs well with various sides. Consider serving:
– Garlic bread
– Steamed broccoli
– A fresh green salad
– A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc
These sides enhance the meal and add balance.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, you can try these tips:
– Use more Cajun seasoning. Start with a half tablespoon more.
– Add crushed red pepper flakes. A pinch can boost the spice.
– Include diced jalapeños. They add fresh heat without overwhelming the dish.
Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, this recipe can be made kid-friendly. Here’s how:
– Use less Cajun seasoning at first. Kids may prefer milder flavors.
– Skip the black pepper and hot spices. You can always add them later.
– Serve the shrimp and pasta separately. This lets kids pick what they want.
These adjustments make it easier for picky eaters to enjoy.
This creamy Cajun shrimp pasta combines rich flavors and easy steps. We covered key ingredients, from penne and shrimp to a delicious sauce. I shared tips for perfecting the dish, variations, and ways to store and reheat leftovers.
As you enjoy this recipe, remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free. Experiment with flavors and make it your own. A great meal can bring joy, so dig in and savor every bite!
