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- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make Minute Cajun Shrimp Pasta, gather fresh ingredients. Start with 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Choose a good quality pasta for the best taste. You will need one pound of shrimp, which must be peeled and deveined. Use two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning to bring in that bold flavor. Next, grab two tablespoons of olive oil for cooking. You will also need three cloves of garlic, minced finely to add a rich aroma. Cherry tomatoes enhance the dish’s color and taste. Use one cup, halved, for a burst of sweetness. For a creamy sauce, add one cup of heavy cream. It makes the dish smooth and rich. You will also need half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish. Add salt and pepper to taste, but go easy; the Cajun spice is already flavorful. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish quick and tasty. Enjoy the process of cooking with these fresh, vibrant ingredients. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Bringing water to a boil: Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt. Place the pot on the stove over high heat. Wait for the water to come to a rolling boil. 2. Cooking and draining the pasta: Once boiling, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking. When done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. 1. Tossing with Cajun seasoning: While the pasta cooks, take 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Place the shrimp in a bowl. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over them. Toss well to coat each shrimp evenly. 2. Sautéing the shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. 1. Sautéing garlic and tomatoes: In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften. 2. Combining cream and cheese: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 1. Mixing pasta and shrimp: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together for about 1 to 2 minutes. Ensure all the pasta and shrimp are well coated with the sauce. 2. Garnishing for serving: Remove the skillet from heat. Chop some fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the dish for garnish. This adds a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your Minute Cajun Shrimp Pasta! - Timing for al dente: Cook linguine or spaghetti until just firm to the bite. This gives your dish great texture. Check the package for timing, usually around 8-10 minutes. - Adding salt to boiling water: Always add salt to the water before it boils. This enhances the pasta flavor. Use about 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of water. - Adjusting spiciness level: If you want more heat, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Start small, then taste before adding more. - Alternative seasoning options: Try smoked paprika or garlic powder for different flavors. You can also mix in fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. - Plating suggestions: Twirl the pasta on a plate for a neat look. Use a fork or tongs to create a mound. - Garnishing ideas: Add fresh parsley on top for color. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese can make it look fancy too. You can even add a slice of lemon for a pop of color and flavor. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always cook your pasta until al dente for the best texture. This means it should be firm to the bite, ensuring it won't become mushy when mixed with the sauce. Fresh Shrimp: Use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp for optimal flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to achieve even cooking. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your heat preference. Start with less and add more if you like it spicier! Garnish Wisely: Fresh herbs like parsley not only add color but also enhance the dish's flavor. Add them just before serving to keep them vibrant and fresh. {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for chicken or tofu. Chicken works well with Cajun spice. Just cook it until brown. Tofu gives a nice vegetarian twist. Press it first to remove water. Then season and sauté it like shrimp. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish. You can use different pasta types. Try penne or fettuccine for a change. If you need gluten-free options, use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. They will still taste great with the Cajun sauce. Just cook them as directed on the package. Feel free to add more veggies. Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini work nicely. They’ll add color and nutrition. If you like spice, increase the Cajun seasoning. You can also add a dash of hot sauce. Adjust it to your taste for the perfect kick! To store your leftover Cajun shrimp pasta, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to cool the pasta first before sealing. This helps keep it fresh. Place the container in the fridge. Your pasta will stay good for about 3 days. When it's time to eat your leftovers, reheating is key. The best way to reheat the pasta is in a skillet. Heat it on medium-low. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir gently until warmed through. Avoid high heat to keep the shrimp tender. This way, the flavor and texture stay great. Enjoy your tasty meal again! Yes, you can! To add heat, use more Cajun seasoning. You might also try adding red pepper flakes. For extra spice, toss in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Start with a small amount, then taste as you go. This way, you can control the heat to suit your taste. If you want a lighter version, use lactose-free cream. Another option is coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. You could also try using a mix of milk and a thickener. Silken tofu blended until smooth can work well too. Each option will change the flavor a bit, so choose what you like best. This dish is quick! It takes about 10 minutes to prep the ingredients. Cooking the pasta and shrimp only adds about 10 more minutes. So, in just 20 minutes, you can serve a delicious meal. Perfect for busy nights or last-minute dinners! Yes, you can freeze it! First, cool the pasta and sauce completely. Then, store it in an airtight container. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to help it come back together. In this post, we explored how to make a tasty Cajun shrimp pasta. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, helpful tips, tasty variations, and proper storage techniques. You can enjoy this dish whether you want a classic or a twist. Remember, cooking is about trying new things and having fun. With practice, you can make it your own. Get cooking and enjoy every bite!

Minute Cajun Shrimp Pasta

A quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices, garlic, and cherry tomatoes in a creamy sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until well coated.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until soft.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, tossing everything together until well combined and heated through, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword Cajun, pasta, quick meal, shrimp