This Cajun shrimp pasta is loaded with succulent shrimp and comforting noodles simmered in a creamy, spicy tomato sauce, perfectly spiced and easy to make! Try it with my homemade Cajun seasoning.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
We're making Cajun Shrimp Pasta in the Chili Pepper Madness kitchen, my friends! Are you up for a nice, spicy pasta? I know I am! If you love Cajun Chicken Pasta, you'll love this version.
I think of all the seasoning blends in the world, a good Cajun blend is one of my very favorites. I use my own Homemade Cajun Seasoning blend, but there are some very good ones on the market today. Just search your local grocer.
Cajun seasonings can vary, but most contain the perfect blend of hot, spicy, and flavorful elements.
This is such a quick and easy pasta dish to make, done in 30 minutes or less. Pasta for dinner just got better.
Let's talk about how to make Cajun shrimp pasta, shall we?
Cajun Shrimp Pasta Ingredients
- Vegetable Oil. For cooking.
- Vegetables. Onion, jalapeno peppers, garlic. Use bell pepper for a milder dish.
- Cajun Pasta Sauce. Fire roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, Cajun seasonings. For a spicier sauce, add in a bit of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Pasta Noodles. I'm using penne noodles, but you can use your favorites.
- Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta. Heavy cream, or use sour cream or crema for a lighter version.
- Parmesan Cheese.
- Shrimp. Peeled and deveined.
- For Garnish. Fresh chopped parsley, red pepper flakes
How to Make Cajun Shrimp Pasta - the Recipe Method
Cook down the onion, peppers, and garlic in a large pan or Dutch oven with a bit of olive oil or vegetable oil to soften, then stir in the fire roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Cajun spices.
Simmer the sauce for at least 10 minutes, though you can simmer longer if you'd like to develop more flavor.
While simmering, cook the pasta noodles al dente, or to your preference. It's best to follow package instructions for the brand you are using.
While the sauce is simmering and the pasta is boiling, season and add the shrimp to a hot pan, then sear each piece a couple minutes per side.
Stir the heavy cream and parmesan cheese into the simmering sauce until nice and creamy, then toss it all together.
Boom! Done! Your Cajun shrimp pasta is ready to serve! I am so ready to dig into this, my friends! Can't wait for this spicy cream sauce.
Recipe Tips & Notes
- If you'd like to use cooked frozen shrimp instead of raw fresh shrimp, be sure to thaw them out first, then tuck them into the simmering sauce a few minutes to warm them before serving.
- Add good Cajun sausage would be a nice addition to this recipe. Consider smoked andouille sausage, or boudin for delicious Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta. It's also delicious with chicken. Feel free to customize your proteins.
- Creamy = Optional. You can easily skip the heavy cream addition for a tomato-forward Cajun sauce, much like my Creole Sauce recipe.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftover Cajun Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can easily reheat it in gently in the microwave, or in a pot on the stove top.
I do not recommend freezing it.
That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy my spicy Cajun shrimp pasta recipe. Let me know if you make it. I'd love to hear how it turned out for you.
Cookbook Recommendation
If you enjoy spicy cooking, I hope you'll check out my cookbook! 75 easy recipes with big, bold flavor.
- The Spicy Food Lovers' Cookbook, by Mike Hultquist (affiliate link, my friends!)
Amazon Affiliate links, my friends! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Try Some of These Other Popular Dishes
Got any questions? Ask away! I'm happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you'll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don't forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I'll be sure to share! Thanks! -- Mike H.
Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
FOR THE PASTA
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper chopped (optional – use bell pepper for milder)
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 14 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes
- 8 ounces tomato sauce optional, for extra saucy
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasonings
- 8 ounces pasta noodles I’m using penne noodles
- ¾ cup heavy cream use sour cream or crema for a lighter version
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese + more for serving
FOR THE CAJUN SHRIMP
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1-2 tablespoons Cajun Seasonings
- For Garnish. Fresh chopped parsley, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan or Dutch oven to medium heat. Add the onion and jalapeno. Cook for 5 minutes to soften.
- Add the garlic and cook 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the fire roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Cajun seasonings. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors develop. You can simmer longer if you’d like.
- While simmering, cook the pasta noodles in lightly salted boiling water to al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons oil in a separate large pan to medium-high heat.
- Toss the shrimp in the Cajun seasonings, then add to the pan. Cook the shrimp 2-3 minutes per side, or until opaque and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Stir the heavy cream and parmesan cheese into the simmering sauce until nice and creamy.
- Into the sauce, stir in the cooked pasta and cooked shrimp.
- Garnish and serve.
Nutrition Information
NOTE: This recipe was updated on 10/23/24 to include new information and photos. It was originally published on 6/13/18.
Ken Z says
Great recipe, Mike. I used jalapenos, crushed red pepper and cayenne. The kicker for me was the sour cream. Just a dollop made it nice and creamy. Who knew? With the heat from the spices and the creamy tomato sauce, my mouth was a happy camper!
This one goes into the rotation for sure. Thanx!
Mike H. says
Happy to hear it, Ken. Have fun with it!
Jesse L says
I made this and it was of course good. Two days later, the other half was good enough to fight a war over! Good stuff!
Mike H. says
Glad you are enjoying it, Jess. Thanks!