This easy one-pot wonder is on the table in less than 30 minutes from start to finish!
Cajun Shrimp Pasta has cajun spiced shrimp, bell peppers, and onions in a super simple creamy tomato sauce!
You’ll Love This Easy Weeknight Pasta Because…
- Cajun shrimp pasta is a 30-minute meal.
- It uses simple ingredients and a few spices, and it’s packed with flavor
- The sauce is really easy to make and so delicious.
- It’s versatile; add extra veggies or swap the shrimp for chicken or sausage.
What You’ll Need To Make Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Shrimp: Shrimp is the star of this recipe. Choose medium to large frozen or fresh shrimp that have been peeled and deveined with tails off. Thaw frozen shrimp before cooking.
- Sausage: Any variety of smoked sausage works. If using a large sausage, cut the rounds into half moons.
- Pasta: Penne pasta is the perfect pasta for the Cajun sauce to cling to, but fusilli, rotini, or other medium pasta shapes or even fettuccine.
- Vegetables: Colorful bell peppers give the dish some flair. Onions add flavor.
- Pasta Sauce: This simple sauce combines crushed tomatoes and heavy whipping cream with seasonings. A small can of drained diced diced tomatoes can also be added.
Variations
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Other vegetables, such as mushrooms, can be added.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Cajun Shrimp Pasta is one of those quick-to-make meals that delivers bold flavor.
- Toss shrimp with Cajun Seasoning and garlic powder. Cook until pink.
- In a Dutch oven or deep skillet, cook onion, peppers, and sausage.
- Once softened, add crushed tomatoes, cream, and cajun seasoning. Simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
- Stir in shrimp, pasta, and Parmesan cheese.
Serve with salad and garlic bread.
Tips For a Perfect Pasta Dish
- Choose medium shrimp that are peeled and deveined to make this dish easy to prepare.
- If peeling shrimp at home, cut across the top of the back to the tail. Pull the shell away from the shrimp by grabbing the legs. Pull toward the tail, and the entire shell, legs, and tail should come off easily.
- Use bacon grease or butter in place of oil if desired.
- Cook the pasta just to al dente (firm), and be sure to salt the water.
Leftovers
- Store leftover Cajun Shrimp Pasta in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Did you love this Cajun Shrimp Pasta? Be sure to leave a rating and comment below!
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavor-packed 30-minute meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne or other pasta shape
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning divided
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 bell peppers red & green, diced
- 8 ounces smoked sausage sliced, optional but recommended
- 14 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and garlic powder.
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In a Dutch oven or deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
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While shrimp is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm). Drain well but do not rinse.
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Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet and cook until the onion begins to soften, about 2-3 minutes. Add peppers and sausage if using, and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
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Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and remaining cajun seasoning. Simmer uncovered for 3 to 4 minutes or until slightly thickened.
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Add pasta, parmesan cheese, and shrimp with any juices. Stir until heated through, and the cheese is melted. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
Notes
Fresh parsley can be added for garnish.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 575 | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 275mg | Sodium: 1105mg | Potassium: 602mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3160IU | Vitamin C: 61mg | Calcium: 245mg | Iron: 4mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dinner, Entree, Main Course, Pasta, Seafood
Cuisine American
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Amazing, bold flavor! Easy
to make too!
I have made this 3 times now – a bit of work – but worth it. I add some cayenne pepper and only use 1 bellpepper. I have substituted bow-tie pasta – works great.
So glad you enjoy this dish, Louis!
I’m making this tonight. I have a question about the penne. I feel silly asking, but is the measurement 8oz.dry?
Yes, it is 8 oz dry. Enjoy the recipe!
Can you do a copycat recipe of crabby joes wicked shrimp penne. it is delicous and I love shrimp pasta. It is served in a white wine piri piri sauce with green and red peppers, onions and topped with parmasen cheese, I think. Thanks for all the recipes
I haven’t tried Crabby Joes Wicked Shrimp Penne but it does sound delicious! If I do try it, I’ll see if I can put together a similar recipe.
Very tasty!
Thanks, Danielle! Glad you enjoyed it.
Can this recipe be double ?
I have never doubled this recipe, but that should work well! Let us know how it turns out for you, Barbara!
This was absolutely amazing! Hubby loved it! I added a few cloves of garlic. Everything is better with garlic! Very delicious quick and easy to make!
This was absolutely delicious. Added a little sea food broth!!!! Thanks so much
You’re welcome Scott!!
In the Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe, what can I use in lieu of Cajun spice as my children do not like anything spicy? This recipe sounds so good and we all do love shrimp….yummy!
I’d suggest that you make the homemade cajun seasoning and leave out the spicy bits! Just sprinkle them on yours at the end. Enjoy the recipe Sarah!
Holly – we LOVE all your recipes. Can this pasta dish be made without the cream (something substituted?) and maybe a wheat pasta? Just too many calories it appears but would love to cook this.
Thank you Louis! You could omit the cream. I’ve not tried it, but you should be able to replace it with a bit of yogurt. Enjoy!