Mardi Gras Cajun Shrimp Pasta (Printable)
Tender shrimp and bell peppers tossed in a creamy Cajun spiced sauce over pasta.
# What You Need:
→ Seafood
01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
→ Pasta
02 - 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 - 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
06 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy
08 - 1 cup heavy cream
09 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
10 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
→ Spices & Seasonings
11 - 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
12 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
14 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
15 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
→ Garnish
16 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
17 - Lemon wedges
# Steps:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water, and set aside.
02 - Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Toss with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and pinch of salt and pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange shrimp in single layer. Cook 2 minutes per side until just opaque and curled. Transfer to plate.
04 - Add remaining butter to same skillet. Add onion and bell peppers. Sauté 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
05 - Stir in garlic, remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
06 - Reduce heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream while stirring. Simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce begins to thicken slightly.
07 - Stir Parmesan into sauce until melted and smooth. Add drained pasta and toss until coated. Add reserved pasta water if sauce needs thinning.
08 - Return shrimp to skillet. Toss gently to combine and heat through 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately garnished with parsley, extra Cajun seasoning, and lemon wedges.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The creamy Cajun sauce clings to every strand of pasta, coating each bite with just enough heat to make you reach for your drink
- Those three colorful bell peppers dont just make it gorgeous, they bring a natural sweetness that tames the spice perfectly
- This comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon, making you look like a kitchen wizard
02 -
- Overcooked shrimp in pasta dishes is tragic, so pull them from the pan while still slightly underdone because residual heat finishes them
- The sauce will thicken as it stands, so keep some pasta water handy even after serving, especially for leftovers
03 -
- Sprinkle a little extra Cajun seasoning on top just before serving for that gorgeous red speckle and extra kick
- Room temperature cream incorporates more smoothly than cold, preventing any potential curdling