Description
A vibrant and flavorful Cajun shrimp pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp, bold spices, and a creamy sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 mini bell pepper or ½ regular bell pepper, sliced thin
- 80g pasta (any kind—penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 8–10 shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Pinch of salt and pepper (for seasoning shrimp)
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning (for shrimp)
- Cooking spray or 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ to ½ cup half and half cream
- ½ cup pasta water (add gradually for sauce consistency)
Instructions
- Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. In a hot non-stick pan with a drizzle of oil, sear the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and crispy. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
- Boil the pasta in salted water until it reaches al dente. Don’t forget to reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Using the same pan, sauté the garlic and shallots until fragrant, about a minute. Add the sliced bell pepper, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, dried parsley, chili flakes, and salt. Stir to combine, then pour in the half and half cream.
- Gradually add pasta water until you achieve your desired sauce consistency. Simmer this mixture for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Return the shrimp to the pan, toss in the cooked pasta, and mix well to coat everything in the sauce. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, then taste and adjust for seasoning.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished as desired.
Notes
For added flavor, consider incorporating vegetables like spinach or zucchini or a splash of lemon juice before serving.
