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- 8 oz penne pasta - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. {{image_2}} 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Skillet

Indulge in a quick and delicious dinner with this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Skillet recipe! Packed with tender shrimp, colorful veggies, and a rich creamy sauce, it’s the perfect blend of flavors. In just 30 minutes, you can have a delightful meal on the table that your family will love. Explore the full recipe and step-by-step instructions to create this mouthwatering dish tonight! #CreamyCajunShrimpPasta #DinnerIdeas #PastaRecipes #ShrimpRecipes
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Ingredients
  

8 oz penne pasta

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

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

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.

      Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.

        Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.

          Cook the Shrimp: Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet. Add the seasoned shrimp to the other side and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.

            Combine and Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, and add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.

              Add Cheese and Pasta: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Then, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat all the pasta in the sauce.

                Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4