Print

Cajun Shrimp Pasta for Two Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 65 reviews

A rich, creamy, and slightly spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta perfect for a cozy dinner for two. Tender shrimp coated in smoky Cajun seasoning are paired with silky fettuccine tossed in a luscious cream sauce enriched with parmesan and a hint of lemon for brightness.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp

  • 12 large shrimp (about ½ lb), peeled & deveined
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp paprika (optional for color)

Pasta & Sauce

  • 6 oz fettuccine or linguine
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated parmesan
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (add more to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. Season & cook the shrimp: Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and olive oil. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
  3. Make the Cajun cream sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper. Let it simmer gently for 2 minutes. Stir in parmesan until melted and creamy. Add lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  4. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs to be loosened. Return the shrimp to the skillet and coat them with the sauce.
  5. Serve: Plate the pasta and shrimp. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately for best taste.

Notes

  • Do not let the sauce boil; keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent splitting.
  • Use medium heat when cooking shrimp and sauce to avoid burning the Cajun spices.
  • Sear shrimp quickly to avoid rubbery texture.
  • Add pasta water gradually to achieve a silkier sauce.
  • Optional: For extra depth, add 1 tsp tomato paste to the sauce.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/cajun-shrimp-pasta-for-two-recipe/