Name: Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe : 30 Minute Family Dinner with Creamy Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 2 Tbsp cajun seasoning, divided; 2 Tbsp unsalted butter; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes; 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more to serve; 2 Tbsp parsley to garnish, (optional)

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Enjoy a taste of Louisiana in just 30 minutes with this Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe! Perfect for weeknight suppers, this dish combines plump shrimp, creamy sauce, and savory Cajun spices for a flavorful, kid-friendly meal that’s easy on your budget and ready fast.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in under 30 minutes for busy evenings
Rich, creamy sauce and bold Cajun seasoning
Family-friendly and easy to adapt
Uses everyday pantry staples

Ingredients

Ingredient	Measurement
Penne pasta	8 oz
Large shrimp, peeled, deveined	1 lb
Olive oil	1 Tbsp
Cajun seasoning, divided	2 Tbsp
Unsalted butter	2 Tbsp
Garlic cloves, minced	2
Diced tomatoes	1/2 cup
Heavy whipping cream	1 1/2 cups
Parmesan cheese, grated	1/2 cup plus more
Parsley, chopped (optional)	2 Tbsp

Kitchen equipment mentioned:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, drain, and cover pasta to keep warm.
Toss shrimp with 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet. Sauté shrimp 1-2 minutes per side until opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Add butter and minced garlic to skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes and cook 2-3 minutes.
Pour in cream, remaining Cajun seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Simmer, then reduce heat and cook 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
Add shrimp and pasta to skillet. Stir until noodles are coated and everything is heated through. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
Garnish with additional parmesan and chopped parsley.

Tips for Success

Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference for mild or extra-hot results.
Substitute penne with your favorite pasta shape.
Use fresh or frozen shrimp, thawed and well-drained.
If you want extra creaminess, add a splash more heavy cream before serving.

Equipment List

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Pre-cooked shrimp just needs to be warmed add to skillet in the final step.

Is this recipe spicy?
It can be as mild or spicy as you like. Use less Cajun seasoning for a milder version.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes, the pasta reheats well. Add a splash of cream when warming leftovers.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, so refrigerate for best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cajun Shrimp Pasta with crusty bread and a side salad for a complete meal. For extra flavor, drizzle with lemon or add roasted peppers.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe : 30 Minute Family Dinner with Creamy Sauce

Print Recipe

Enjoy creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta for dinner a quick and flavorful family favorite with bold spices, parmesan, and juicy shrimp.

Author: Sara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz penne pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp cajun seasoning, divided

2 Tbsp unsalted butter

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup diced tomatoes

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more to serve

2 Tbsp parsley to garnish, (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta in salted water until al dente; reserve some pasta water, drain, and cover to keep warm.

2. Coat shrimp with 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet. Sauté shrimp 1-2 minutes per side until opaque, remove, keep warm.

3. Melt butter with garlic in skillet; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes and cook 2-3 minutes.

4. Pour in cream, remaining Cajun seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Simmer, reduce heat, cook 2-3 minutes until thickened.

5. Add shrimp and pasta to skillet; stir until noodles are coated, everything heated through. Add pasta water to thin if needed.

6. Garnish with more parmesan and parsley.

Notes

Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste. Add extra cream if you prefer a richer sauce. For best results, use fresh shrimp.

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