Cajun Shrimp Pasta

A fusion of bold Cajun spices, juicy shrimp and creamy Italian-style pasta creates a satisfyingly zesty and richly textured dish perfect for any occasion.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste (recipe note #1))
• 8 ounces penne pasta (or other short pasta)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 large garlic cloves (finely chopped)
• 1 14 1/2-ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes (with liquid)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 ounces grated parmesan cheese (about 2/3 cup)
• chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1In a medium bowl combine shrimp and Cajun seasoning; toss to coat. Set aside.
2. 2Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta in boiling, salted water according to package directions until firm to the bite (al dente). Drain, reserving 1 cup of cooking water.
3. 3While the pasta cooks, heat butter and olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling. Add garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add shrimp; cook and stir until shrimp is just cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and transfer shrimp to a clean plate.
4. 4Add tomatoes with liquid to same skillet and bring to boil; cook and stir until liquid is reduced by half, 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese; bring to simmer. Cook and stir until cheese melts and sauce has thickened, about 3 minutes.
5. 5Add drained, cooked pasta and shrimp to skillet; cook and stir until well combined, heated through and sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Or, if you prefer a thinner sauce, add reserved pasta water a little at a time as desired. Taste for seasoning and add more Cajun seasoning if needed. Transfer to serving platter or individual pasta bowls and garnish with parsley (if using); serve.