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- 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup sliced green onions - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish - Lemon juice for brightness - Red pepper flakes for extra heat - Spinach for added nutrition - Bell peppers for sweetness - Large pot for boiling pasta - Skillet for sautéing shrimp and making sauce - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy - Colander for draining pasta - Tongs for tossing pasta and shrimp - Sharp knife for chopping vegetables First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step is key for flavor. Add 8 oz of fettuccine pasta and cook it until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Remember to save 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. This water helps in mixing. Next, we prepare the shrimp. Take 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Make sure every shrimp gets coated well. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink. After that, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. You want it to smell great but not burn. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Once it simmers, reduce the heat and add 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir this mixture until it is well combined. Now comes the fun part! Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for an extra 2 to 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften. If your sauce seems too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water slowly until it reaches your desired consistency. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the drained fettuccine. Toss everything together so the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from heat. For a beautiful finish, sprinkle sliced green onions and fresh parsley on top. Serve the dish hot in a large pasta bowl. You might also want to add extra Parmesan or a few cherry tomato halves on top for a pop of color. Enjoy your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta! To get shrimp just right, start with fresh or thawed shrimp. Cook them quickly in hot oil. Aim for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink. Overcooking makes them tough. If they curl up tightly, they are done. Remember, shrimp cook fast, so keep an eye on them! If you like more heat, add extra Cajun seasoning. You can also use a pinch of cayenne pepper. To tone it down, reduce the seasoning. Adding more cream can help cool it down, too. For milder flavors, try using half the amount of Cajun seasoning. Everyone's taste is different, so adjust to what you like best. This dish pairs great with a simple salad. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette works well. Garlic bread or crusty baguette adds a nice touch, too. For drinks, a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the spices. Lemonade or iced tea also makes a refreshing choice. Enjoy your meal with good company! {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for chicken. Use about 1 pound of boneless chicken breast. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning just like the shrimp. Cook the chicken in olive oil until it’s golden and cooked through. Follow the same steps to make the creamy sauce and mix everything together. This gives you a delicious Cajun chicken pasta. To make a veggie version, skip the shrimp and chicken. Use 1 cup of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables in olive oil till tender. Add the garlic, broth, and heavy cream as usual. You can also add cooked chickpeas for protein. This option is healthy and full of flavor. For seafood lovers, try a mix of seafood. Use 1 pound of shrimp and add 1 cup of scallops or mussels. Season them with Cajun spice, then cook as per the shrimp steps. You’ll get a rich and diverse taste with this option. The mix of seafood makes the dish exciting and full of different textures. Store leftover creamy Cajun shrimp pasta in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the pasta in a skillet. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Heat it over medium heat, stirring gently. You can also use a microwave. Just cover it to keep moisture in. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking often. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned. You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option. If you want a dairy-free choice, try coconut cream or cashew cream. These alternatives will still give you a nice, creamy texture. To reduce the spice, use less Cajun seasoning. You can also add more cream or milk to tone down the heat. Another option is to include more cherry tomatoes. They add sweetness that helps balance the spice. Yes, you can use any pasta you like! Penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. You can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook the pasta. When you are ready, heat everything up and combine. If you don't have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. Nutritional yeast is a great vegan option that adds a cheesy flavor. You can also omit cheese if you prefer a lighter dish. This blog post walked you through making a delicious pasta dish. We covered key ingredients, tools, and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips to ensure perfect shrimp and spice adjustments. Plus, I explored tasty variations and gave storage tips for leftovers. I hope you feel ready to try this dish yourself. Cooking can be fun, and with these ideas, you’ll impress everyone at the table. Dive in and enjoy the flavors!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in the flavors of the South with this irresistible creamy Cajun shrimp pasta recipe. Perfectly cooked fettuccine mingles with seasoned shrimp, a rich creamy sauce, and fresh tomatoes for a meal that’s sure to impress. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or a special dinner. Click through to discover how to whip up this delicious dish and elevate your pasta game today!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine pasta

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup sliced green onions

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

    Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.

      Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

        Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and add heavy cream, stirring until well combined.

          Add Cheese and Tomatoes: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften. If the sauce becomes too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.

            Combine Everything: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the drained fettuccine. Toss everything together, ensuring pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 30 min | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large pasta bowl, garnishing with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley. Add a few cherry tomato halves on top for a pop of color!