Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta | One-Pot Dinner Ready in 30 Minutes

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to spice up your dinner routine with something creamy, bold, and irresistibly comforting? 🌶️🍤🍝

When weeknights feel rushed but you still want a meal that tastes special, Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is the answer. This dish brings together tender shrimp, warm Cajun spices, and a silky cream sauce that wraps around every strand of pasta. Best of all, it comes together in one pot, making cleanup just as easy as cooking.

Cajun-inspired cooking is all about warmth, balance, and confidence in seasoning. It doesn’t have to be fiery-hot—just deeply flavorful. In this recipe, Cajun spices add smoky depth and gentle heat, while cream and butter soften the edges, creating a sauce that’s rich without being heavy. Shrimp cook quickly, making them ideal for fast dinners that still feel elegant and nourishing.

What makes this meal especially comforting is how everything cooks together. The pasta absorbs the seasoned broth and cream, becoming flavorful from the inside out. The shrimp stay juicy, the sauce thickens naturally, and the whole dish feels cohesive—like it was meant to be served in one big bowl at the center of the table.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this pasta delivers warmth, flavor, and that satisfying “made-it-myself” feeling. Light a candle, pour a glass of water or tea, and let’s cook something truly comforting. ❤️

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined 🍤
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine) 🍝
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream 🥛
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
• Salt, to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup sliced bell peppers
• ½ cup mushrooms
• Fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
• Red pepper flakes for extra heat 🌶️

Directions

1. Season the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in a bowl and toss with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper. Set aside while you prepare the base of the dish.

2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large, deep skillet or pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in paprika and onion powder, allowing the spices to bloom gently in the butter.

3. Build the One-Pot Base
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the uncooked pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid.

4. Cook the Pasta
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes or until the pasta is tender. The sauce will naturally thicken as the pasta cooks and releases starch.

5. Add the Shrimp
Nestle the seasoned shrimp into the pasta. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring gently, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them—they should be tender and juicy. 🍤

6. Finish with Cheese
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or extra Cajun spice if desired. The sauce should be creamy, glossy, and well-balanced.

7. Serve Warm
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately, straight from the pot, for a cozy and inviting dinner. 🍽️

Notes

• Adjust Cajun seasoning to suit your heat preference.
• Half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Add spinach at the end for extra color and nutrition.
• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.

Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 20 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~540 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!