Description
Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a tantalizing dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Southern cuisine to your dinner table. This creamy pasta, adorned with colorful bell peppers and a homemade Cajun spice blend, is perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions. Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, it combines tender shrimp with a rich sauce that beautifully coats each bowtie pasta piece. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a family night in, this delightful dish promises to satisfy every palate with its robust flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 bell peppers (diced)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 3 tablespoons flat leaf parsley (chopped + more for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine spices in a bowl; reserve 1 tablespoon for later. Toss shrimp with olive oil and remaining spices until well-coated.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until pink and curled. Remove from heat.
- Sauté diced bell peppers and onions in the same skillet until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute before pouring in heavy cream.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and mix everything together. Fold in cooked pasta and add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 300g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Substitute shrimp with chicken or turkey for different protein options. Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your spice preference. Experiment with various pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine for added variety.