Name: Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb. fettuccine; 1 1/2 lb. jumbo or large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tsp. Cajun seasoning (e.g., Old Bay or Tony Chachere’s); 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional); 2 tsp. onion powder; 1 tsp. garlic powder; 2 tsp. smoked paprika; 2 tbsp. cooking oil (grapeseed, olive, or avocado oil); 4 tbsp. unsalted butter; 2 tbsp. garlic, minced or chopped; 1 tbsp. flour; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 tbsp. lemon juice (about half of a lemon); 1 tsp. lemon zest; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped; Salt & pepper to taste

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels fancy but comes together fast, this Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the creamy, spicy sauce hugs the tender shrimp and fettuccine, making every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or impressing friends, this dish always hits the spot. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your new go-to comfort food with a Cajun kick!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in just about 35 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Bold Flavor: The Cajun seasoning gives it that perfect spicy, smoky punch without overwhelming.
Creamy Comfort: The luscious cream sauce makes it both indulgent and cozy.
Family Favorite: My family can’t get enough of this — and I bet yours will feel the same.

A black pan filled with creamy pasta as the base layer, light beige with visible seasoning and herbs mixed in, topped with eight cooked shrimp arranged in a circular pattern. The shrimp are orange with charred spots and sprinkled with green herb pieces. The pasta strands are thick and tangled, coated in sauce, with small bits of herbs and spices. The pan is resting on a white marbled surface with a white textured cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cajun Shrimp Pasta, Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe, easy Cajun pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, spicy seafood pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe comes from a blend of bold spices and creamy goodness. Make sure to grab fresh shrimp and quality Cajun seasoning to really bring out that authentic taste.

Flat lay of uncooked fettuccine pasta nests, a handful of large raw shrimp with shells removed, a small white bowl of bright red smoked paprika powder, a small white bowl of finely minced fresh garlic, a small white bowl of golden cooking oil, a small white bowl of pale yellow unsalted butter cubes, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of light golden chicken broth, a small white bowl of thick heavy cream, half a fresh lemon with visible zest, a small white bowl of finely grated Parmesan cheese, a few sprigs of fresh green parsley with some chopped leaves scattered beside it, scattered whole black peppercorns and coarse sea salt crystals, all arranged symmetrically and naturally placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cajun Shrimp Pasta, Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe, easy Cajun pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, spicy seafood pasta

Fettuccine: This pasta’s flat shape holds the sauce beautifully.
Jumbo or large shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp cook quickly and stay tender.
Cajun seasoning: I often use Old Bay or Tony Chachere’s for authentic flavor.
Cayenne pepper: Optional but great if you like an extra spicy kick.
Onion powder: Adds depth without overpowering.
Garlic powder: A subtle, aromatic base for the sauce.
Smoked paprika: Gives that smoky, slightly sweet note that rounds out the spices.
Cooking oil: Grapeseed, olive, or avocado oil all work well; use what you prefer.
Unsalted butter: Essential for richness and making the roux.
Minced garlic: Fresh is best for bright flavor.
Flour: Helps thicken the creamy sauce just right.
Chicken broth: Adds warmth without heaviness.
Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce silky smooth and indulgent.
Lemon juice: A little acidity to balance the richness.
Lemon zest: Gives a fresh citrus aroma that lifts the dish.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for that irresistible umami touch.
Fresh parsley: Adds color and a fresh herbal note.
Salt & pepper: Season carefully to taste, considering the saltiness of the Cajun seasoning.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe is — it’s easy to make your own spin depending on what you have in the kitchen or what mood you’re in.

Protein swaps: I’ve swapped shrimp for chicken or scallops when guests prefer different seafood or meat; it works beautifully.
Spice level: Feel free to dial up or tone down the cayenne pepper — perfect for tweaking to your heat tolerance.
Dairy-free version: Try substituting heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative if needed.
Vegetable add-ins: Toss in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to add some greens and color.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season the Shrimp for Maximum Flavor

Start by mixing together 1 tsp smoked paprika, garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp Cajun seasoning in a bowl. Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in this spice blend until evenly coated. I discovered that seasoning the shrimp ahead lets the flavors really soak in while you prep the rest. It also helps them cook up with that gorgeous, spicy crust everyone loves.

Step 2: Cook the Fettuccine Al Dente

Boil salted water and cook your fettuccine according to package instructions until just al dente — usually around 10 minutes. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse; you want that starch to help the sauce stick later. This step is key because overcooked pasta will get mushy once tossed in the sauce.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp for Perfect Texture

Heat 2 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp on both sides until just browned and opaque — about 3 minutes total. Don’t overcrowd the pan or you’ll steam them instead of getting that beautiful sear. Remove the shrimp and set aside while you build the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and melt 3 tbsp butter in the same skillet. Whisk in 1 tbsp flour to make a smooth roux — this thickens your sauce without lumps. Slowly pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 2 cups heavy cream, whisking as you go. Once blended, add lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10 minutes so it thickens and flavors meld. I’ve learned patience here really pays off — don’t rush this step!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Stir in ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley to the sauce, then simmer for another 5 minutes until luscious. Toss in your cooked fettuccine to coat every strand with that creamy, spicy sauce. Finally, top with the seared shrimp and garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning if you like a little more heat. Voilà — dinner is served!

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Pro Tips for Making Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Don’t Overcook Shrimp: They cook fast—3 minutes is usually enough to keep them juicy and tender.
Make the Roux Slowly: Whisking constantly while adding flour avoids lumps and gives you a silky sauce.
Adjust the Spice Gradually: You can always add more Cajun seasoning or cayenne later, but it’s tough to fix if it’s too spicy.
Use Fresh Herbs: Adding parsley at the end keeps it bright and fresh instead of dulling it during cooking.

How to Serve Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

A white plate is filled with creamy fettuccine pasta that is light beige in color, mixed with small bits of green herbs. On top of the pasta, there are six large cooked shrimp, arranged in a circle. The shrimp are orange with charred edges and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cajun Shrimp Pasta, Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe, easy Cajun pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, spicy seafood pasta

Garnishes

When I serve this dish, I like to sprinkle on a little more fresh parsley and some extra grated Parmesan for that perfect finishing touch. A light dusting of Cajun seasoning on top adds a nice pop of color and flavor. Sometimes, I even add a few thin lemon wedges on the side — a quick squeeze brightens each bite beautifully.

Side Dishes

One of my favorite ways to round out the meal is with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus with a hint of garlic. Crusty garlic bread or warm buttered rolls are also perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce. Honestly, these sides make the meal feel special without complicated prep.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to twirl a neat nest of pasta on each plate and arrange shrimp artistically on top with a parsley sprig. Serving in shallow bowls helps hold the creamy sauce better and looks super inviting. Adding a candle-lit table and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on the side lets guests add heat per their taste — it’s a little thing that gets big compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually eat them within 2 days. Since the cream sauce thickens when chilled, I recommend reheating gently with a splash of broth or cream to bring back that creamy texture I love.

Freezing

Freezing this dish can be a bit tricky because cream sauces don’t always freeze well. I’ve had better luck freezing just the cooked shrimp and sauce separately (without pasta) to keep flavors intact. When ready, thaw overnight and reheat slowly on the stove, then toss with freshly cooked pasta for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen things up. Avoid microwaving if you can — gentle heat preserves the creamy texture and prevents the shrimp from rubbery toughness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is great for holding the creamy sauce, you can substitute linguine, penne, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when tossed with the rich sauce.
How spicy is this Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe?

The spice level can be adjusted to your liking. I include cayenne pepper as optional, so you can leave it out for a milder dish or add more for greater heat. The Cajun seasoning provides a balanced smoky and savory flavor without overwhelming heat.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and replace butter with vegan butter or olive oil. The sauce won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be creamy and flavorful with a Cajun kick.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

Fresh parsley adds a lovely brightness, but if you don’t have it, dried parsley works in a pinch. Add it during the sauce simmering step to help release its flavors. Alternatively, fresh basil or chives can also add a nice herbal note.
Can I prepare components ahead of time?

You can season the shrimp a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. The sauce is best made fresh but can be prepared a day ahead and gently reheated. Cooked pasta is best just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe has become one of those dishes I lean on whenever I want something comforting but with a spark of excitement. The blend of spices, creamy sauce, and tender shrimp creates a harmony that feels both indulgent and approachable. If you’re craving bold flavors without a fuss, give this recipe a try — I promise you’ll enjoy every single bite as much as I do. Cooking it feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day, and sharing it feels like a little party at the dinner table.