Cajun Shrimp Pasta

This smoky-spicy dish folds juicy shrimp and tender pasta into a creamy sauce that's rich with tomato flavor. The Cajun spice mix infuses every bite with a kick of irresistible earthy heat!

📝 Ingredients

• 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 pound uncooked Penne pasta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, (divided)
• 1 pound large fresh shrimp with tails on, (peeled and deveined)
• 1 tablespoon Cajun Spice Mix
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion, (diced)
• 4 large cloves garlic, (minced)
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese ((grate it fresh off the block, for the best creamy texture))
• finely chopped fresh basil leaves, (for garnish)
• finely chopped fresh parsley, (for garnish)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Before you start: Set a large pot of salted water on the stovetop over high heat, to boil right away, to make this meal come together faster. Continue with the recipe while the water comes to a boil. If needed, reduce heat to just keep it hot, until you're ready to cook the pasta.
2. 2Cajun Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.
3. 3Cajun Shrimp Pasta: Once water is boiling (or turn heat back up, to boil), cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. 4(While pasta is cooking...) In a large skillet over medium/medium-high heat, warm 2 tablespoons of the olive oil.
5. 5Season shrimp with Cajun Spice Mix. Then add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side (depending on actual size of shrimp). Remove shrimp from skillet, to a plate, and set aside. Reduce heat to medium/medium-low.
6. 6Using the same skillet, prepare the creamy sauce. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter.
7. 7Add diced onion and sauté until just softened, stirring regularly, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic, and sauté 1 more minute.
8. 8Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes more, stirring regularly.
9. 9Slowly pour in wine, scraping and deglazIng bottom of the skillet to loosen up any browned bits - this adds flavor to the sauce!
10. 10Add chicken broth and cream, and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. It should be at a lively simmer, not boiling crazily.
11. 11Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, and toss to coat evenly. Then stir in Parmesan until it's fully melted and incorporated.
12. 12Add cooked shrimp back to the skillet, and gently toss to combine with the pasta and sauce.
13. 13Garnish with fresh basil and parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!