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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta With a Spicy Kick - Comfort Food With Bold Flavor

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade), divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water (as needed)
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped parsley, for garnish
  • Red pepper flakes, optional for more heat

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Season the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry. Toss with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, a pinch of salt, and the smoked paprika.
  3. Sear the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until opaque and lightly browned. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Build the base: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Sauté onion and bell pepper with a pinch of salt for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
  5. Deglaze: Pour in white wine or broth. Scrape up any browned bits and simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream and the remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Add cheese and balance: Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and heat with red pepper flakes if needed.
  8. Toss with pasta: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, loosen with splashes of reserved pasta water until silky.
  9. Finish with shrimp: Return shrimp to the pan and toss for 1 minute to warm through. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.