Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta — A Bold and Flavor-Packed Dinner You’ll Crave

If you love creamy pasta with a kick, this Cajun Shrimp Pasta is the recipe you don’t want to lose. It’s rich, spicy, and irresistibly creamy — the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re dining at a cozy Southern bistro right at home.

Juicy shrimp are seared to perfection in a buttery Cajun-spiced sauce, then tossed with tender linguine and a velvety cream sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, and smoky seasoning. It’s pure comfort food with a Louisiana twist!

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

12 raw large shrimp, peeled and deveined (add more if you love shrimp!)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

1 serving of linguine (about 6 oz dry pasta, or as desired)
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth (or seafood broth for richer flavor)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra depth)
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (to brighten the flavor)
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Shrimp

In a medium bowl, toss the peeled shrimp with Cajun seasoning, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Make sure each shrimp is evenly coated — this will give them that irresistible color and flavor.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they’re pink, opaque, and lightly golden on the edges. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out — those browned bits are packed with flavor!), melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Reduce the heat to medium and slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine. Add the Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently until every strand is coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Next, return the cooked shrimp to the pan, along with any juices that collected on the plate. Squeeze in a bit of fresh lemon juice and toss everything together to coat.

Let it cook for 1–2 minutes more so the shrimp soak up all that creamy Cajun goodness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Serve the Cajun shrimp pasta immediately, topped with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. For extra indulgence, sprinkle a little more Parmesan and a pinch of Cajun seasoning on top.

Pro Tips

Choose the right shrimp: Large or jumbo shrimp work best for this recipe — they stay juicy and meaty even after searing.
Make it spicier: Add more Cajun seasoning or an extra pinch of cayenne pepper if you love heat.
Balance the flavor: The lemon juice is key! It brightens up the rich sauce and keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.
Don’t overcook the shrimp: They cook fast! Once they turn pink and curl slightly, they’re done.
Add veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can make this dish even heartier.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2–3 generous portions

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is everything you want in a comfort meal — rich, garlicky, and full of bold flavor. The creamy sauce perfectly balances the smoky, spicy Cajun seasoning, while the shrimp add juicy, satisfying bites of protein.

It’s fast enough for a weeknight but feels fancy enough for a date night. Every forkful delivers that perfect combination of creamy, spicy, and savory — a true Southern-style pasta dream!