Cajun Shrimp Pasta

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta is everything you need for a weeknight dinner
that’s big on flavor but low on effort.

With a rich, creamy sauce that’s just the right amount of spicy,
it’s the perfect comfort food that comes together in no time.

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate bowl of Cajun goodness
with this quick and easy recipe!

For Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Pasta – I prefer linguine or spaghetti, but any pasta works here. This forms the base of the dish.
Smoked Paprika – Adds a rich, smoky flavor that gives the dish its Cajun depth.
Dried Oregano – For a bit of herby freshness that complements the other spices.
Dried Thyme – A fragrant, earthy herb that pairs well with the shrimp and the spices.
Dried Basil – Adds a sweet, aromatic touch to balance the spiciness.
Garlic Powder – Essential for an extra layer of savory flavor.
Onion Powder – For a subtle, slightly sweet onion flavor.
Cayenne Pepper – This gives the dish its signature heat. Double the amount for a spicier version!
Black Pepper – Adds sharpness and enhances the Cajun flavors.
Salt – Adjust according to taste; it helps bring out all the flavors.

For the Shrimp

Shrimp – I recommend using extra-large shrimp. Make sure they are peeled, deveined, and thawed.
Olive Oil – Used to sauté the shrimp, giving them a crispy exterior.
Butter – Adds richness and flavor to the shrimp and sauce.

For the Sauce

Yellow Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic – Fresh garlic enhances the flavor profile and complements the Cajun seasoning.
Flour – Thickens the sauce to create a creamy texture.
Chicken Broth – Provides the savory base for the sauce.
Fire Roasted Tomatoes – These bring a smoky, slightly tangy taste that rounds out the sauce.
Heavy Cream – Makes the sauce rich and creamy.
Parmesan Cheese – For a cheesy finish and added depth of flavor.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Craving a dinner that's both bursting with flavor and quick to prepare? This Cajun Shrimp Pasta delivers a perfect balance of creamy richness and just the right amount of spice without the hassle.

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 50

Servings: servings

Notes

Ingredients:

8 oz (226 g) pasta (linguine or spaghetti recommended)
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
¾ teaspoon dried oregano
¾ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (double for extra heat)
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt (plus extra to taste)
1 lb extra-large shrimp (peeled, deveined, thawed, and patted dry)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted)
1 medium yellow onion (diced, about 1 cup)
2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
⅔ cup chicken broth
14.5 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes (drained)
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Drain and set aside. Toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking if needed.
Prepare the Cajun Seasoning:
- In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt.
- Set aside 1 teaspoon of the spice mixture for the sauce.
Season the Shrimp:
- Place the shrimp in a large zip-top bag.
- Add the remaining Cajun seasoning and toss until the shrimp are evenly coated.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the shrimp in batches, cooking until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet.
- Once melted, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Thicken the Sauce:
- Sprinkle the flour and reserved Cajun spice over the onion and garlic, stirring to combine.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to absorb the butter and spices.
Deglaze the Pan:
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet.
- Let the mixture cook until the broth has reduced by about half.
Add Tomatoes and Cream:
- Stir in the drained fire-roasted tomatoes.
- Add the heavy cream and stir until well combined, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
Combine Pasta and Shrimp:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the sauce.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the pasta is evenly coated and the cheese melts.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and heat through.
Serve:
- Serve the pasta with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top.

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1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp instead of raw shrimp?

While you can use pre-cooked shrimp, I highly recommend using raw shrimp for the best flavor. The raw shrimp will soak up the Cajun seasoning, giving you that authentic, bold flavor. Pre-cooked shrimp will lose that opportunity and might turn out a bit rubbery when reheated.

2. What if I don’t have linguine, can I use another type of pasta?

No worries! You can easily swap in any pasta you prefer. I’ve used spaghetti before, and it works just as well. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s super adaptable. So, grab your favorite pasta and dive in!

3. How can I control the spiciness?

If you’re sensitive to spice, simply adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your taste. Start small, and add more if you like a little extra kick. You can also tone it down by using less Cajun seasoning overall, or even make your own blend with milder spices. Customization is key!

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep some components ahead. Cook the pasta and shrimp, then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and toss everything together with the sauce. It’s an easy, make-ahead dinner solution.

5. What sides go best with Cajun Shrimp Pasta?

Pair this dish with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies. If you want to go all out, a side of buttery cornbread or even a light, fresh kale salad would complement the richness of the pasta perfectly!