Cajun Shrimp Pasta

What is Cajun shrimp pasta?

Spicy and savory, Cajun shrimp pasta is made with a heavenly cream sauce, diced vegetables, and Cajun-spiced shrimp. 

The flavor of this pasta dish is bold and complex, relying heavily on a Cajun spice mix. 

This recipe is a modern fusion, combining traditional Cajun flavors with a contemporary American dish. 

Why this Cajun shrimp pasta recipe works

• I love cooking with shrimp because they cook quickly, and using a cast iron gives them an amazing sear. 
• The homemade Cajun spice blend gives the dish a tasty kick and authentic flavor. 
• Creamy garlic sauce made with heavy cream and unsalted butter is super indulgent. 
• This dish is customizable; add your favorite vegetables and protein sources for endless flavor opportunities!

Ingredients needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this shrimp bowtie pasta recipe…

• Shrimp
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Ground cayenne
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano 
• Dried thyme
• Olive oil
• Unsalted butter
• Green and red bell peppers
• Yellow onion
• Fresh garlic
• Heavy cream
• Flat leaf parsley
• Bowtie pasta 

How to make Cajun shrimp pasta

Ready to get cooking? This shrimp bow-tie pasta is easy to make with simple and delicious ingredients. 

Step 1: Remove the shrimp tails

1. For this recipe, I use peeled and deveined shrimp for time/ease. You still have to remove the tail when purchased. When removing tails from peeled shrimp, you want to keep all the meat that’s in the tail.
2. Grab one shrimp and pinch at the very back of the tail. This will release the meat from inside, and none will go to waste!
3. Repeat for the entire pound of shrimp.

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Step 2: Marinate shrimp in a Cajun spice blend

1. First, create your Cajun spice blend from 1 tbsp paprika, ½ tbsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tsp dried thyme.
2. Stir spice blend to mix evenly. Reserve 1 tbsp to be used on veggies.
3. To prepare your shrimp, add 2 tbsp oil and the Cajun spice blend.
4. Toss shrimp in the spices until fully coated. 
5. Allow the shrimp to marinate while you prep the veggies.

Spice blend tip:

You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper to this Cajun spice blend. Because the sauce is rich and creamy, it really balances out the spice level. 

If you’re sensitive to spice, however, reduce to ¼ tsp cayenne pepper in your Cajun shrimp pasta.

Step 3: Dice the vegetables

1. Using a paring knife, cut your red bell pepper around the crown on a diagonal angle.
2. Pull the stem and remove it, taking the majority of the seeds out. Tap out any seeds that have accumulated at the bottom.
3. Shave the white membranes out of the inside of the pepper and discard. The white membranes are bitter.
4. Cut the pepper into long strips, then dice. 
5. Repeat with the green bell pepper.
6. Dice 1 medium yellow onion. 

What other vegetables pair with Cajun shrimp pasta?

If you want to make this dish extra nutritious, the quickest method is to add more vegetables.

This dish would suit grilled mushrooms, broccoli, asparagus, spinach, kale, zucchini, and sundried tomatoes.

Step 4: Cook the shrimp

1. Add 2 tbsp of unsalted butter to your cast iron pan and set to medium heat.
2. Over medium heat, cook the shrimp in one even layer for 1-2 minutes on each side or until they form a “C” shape. If you cannot fit them in one even layer, then cook them in batches.
3. Remove and set aside.

How can I add more protein to this Cajun shrimp pasta recipe?

Whether you’re looking to boost your protein intake, or simply like your meals extra meaty, I’d recommend adding spicy sausage to this recipe.

Andouille or chorizo would pair best with this dish. 

Step 5: Cook the creamy Cajun pasta base

1. Add the diced bell peppers and onions to your pan. 
2. Add the remaining 2 tbsp of unsalted butter and the reserved tablespoon of Cajun spice blend. Stir to combine.
3. Sauté for 4 minutes for bell peppers and onion to soften.
4. Add in 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté 1 more minute.
5. Add in ¾ cup of heavy cream or you can substitute half & half (sauce will not be as thick and creamy with half & half). Allow the sauce to come to a gentle boil.
6. Finish the cream sauce with 3 tbsp of fresh chopped parsley.

Step 6: Cook bowtie pasta and mix

1. Add your cooked Cajun shrimp back into the pan. Stir to combine and coat the shrimp in the sauce. 
2. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. It’s important to cook the pasta al dente because it will cook a bit more once combined with the sauce.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
4. Add the al dente cooked pasta to your shrimp sauce and turn the heat off. 
5. Stir until pasta is fully coated in sauce.
6. Add a few tablespoons of pasta water at a time to the sauce if needed. This will make it extra silky and smooth.