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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

A deliciously creamy pasta dish featuring shrimp in a zesty Cajun sauce that delights the senses.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

Shrimp Preparation
  • 16 oz Large Argentinian Shrimp (peeled and patted dry)
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning to pack that punch
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder for depth of flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Red Paprika Powder to add color
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Powder for a slight smokiness
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano to bring earthiness
  • 1 Juice of 1 Lemon for a zesty kick
Sauce and Vegetables
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil for sautéing
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter for extra creaminess
  • 1 Jalapeño (diced) for spice
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper (diced) for sweetness
  • 1 Yellow Onion (diced) for aromatic base
  • 1/2 cup Tomato Sauce to enhance flavor
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream for that luscious sauce
Pasta
  • 14 oz Rigatoni Pasta or pasta of your choice
  • Salt & Pepper to taste to season
  • Fresh Parsley (chopped) for garnish
  • Freshly grated Parmesan (optional) for serving

Method
 

Prepare the Shrimp
  1. Marinate the peeled Argentinian shrimp with lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, red paprika powder, smoked paprika powder, and dried oregano for 15-20 minutes.
Cook the Shrimp
  1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and when hot, cook the marinated shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink.
  2. Remove from heat and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
  1. In the same skillet, add unsalted butter and add the diced jalapeño, red bell pepper, and yellow onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Prepare the Sauce
  1. Add tomato sauce and heavy cream to the skillet with vegetables, simmer gently while stirring, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the Pasta
  1. In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a small amount of the pasta water.
Combine and Serve
  1. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss with the drained pasta until coated in sauce, adding reserved pasta water if necessary.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Serve on plates or in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For extra zing, add a splash of lemon juice before serving. Adjust spice level to preference by increasing Cajun seasoning or adding cayenne pepper. Consider adding spinach or kale for added nutrition.