Description
A quick, one-pan weeknight dinner featuring bold Cajun flavors, lean shrimp, and a rich creamy sauce made with Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or linguine
- Salt for pasta water
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, bring to a rolling boil, and add a generous pinch of salt. Cook spaghetti or linguine according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water. Drain pasta and toss with a tiny bit of oil.
- While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and let it foam. Add dried shrimp in a single layer and season with half of the Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside on a plate.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add minced garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant but not brown. Deglaze with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Bubble softly for 2 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust consistency with more pasta water if needed.
- Return shrimp and any juices to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss everything together over low heat for 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately with fresh parsley.
Notes
Pat shrimp very dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Use freshly grated Parmesan to prevent a grainy sauce. Reserve pasta water to help emulsify the sauce. Do not overcook shrimp or they will become rubbery. This recipe is not recommended for freezing as the sauce may separate.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 65
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 22
Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, quick dinner, 20 minute meal, one pan dinner, healthy shrimp recipe, weeknight dinner