Craving something bold, creamy, and packed with irresistible spice? Spicy Cajun Pasta with Jumbo Shrimp is the perfect dish to satisfy your appetite. This vibrant Southern-inspired recipe combines smoky Cajun seasoning, succulent shrimp, and rich creamy sauce all tangled with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your dinner table—no reservations needed!
Whether you’re spicing up your weeknight meal rotation or impressing guests with a special dinner, this Cajun pasta hits all the right notes: creamy, spicy, savory, and satisfying.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Quick and easy—ready in 30 minutes
- Packed with flavor—a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and smokiness
- Customizable—adjust spice levels and proteins to your preference
- Comfort food classic—rich and indulgent, yet fresh and vibrant
- Perfect for entertaining—it’s bold, beautiful, and always a hit
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cajun Shrimp:
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (plus extra to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
👩🍳 How to Make Spicy Cajun Pasta with Jumbo Shrimp
✅ 1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
✅ 2. Season and Sear the Shrimp
- Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
- Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
✅ 3. Sauté the Veggies
- In the same skillet, add more oil and butter if needed.
- Sauté garlic, bell peppers, and onions until tender and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
✅ 4. Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- Lower heat and pour in the heavy cream.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and more Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
✅ 5. Toss It All Together
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Heat everything through for another 1-2 minutes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast
- Pair with a crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or a light beer
- Add a wedge of lemon on the side for brightness
🔥 Customize Your Cajun Pasta
- Protein swap: Try blackened chicken, andouille sausage, or tofu
- Make it spicier: Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce
- Add veggies: Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or spinach work beautifully
- Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
- Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce
- Not recommended for freezing (cream-based sauces may separate)
💬 Final Thoughts
Spicy Cajun Pasta with Jumbo Shrimp is a celebration of bold Southern flavor and luxurious comfort. It’s the kind of dish that draws everyone to the kitchen, noses lifted, forks ready. The creamy, spicy sauce clings to every bite of pasta and shrimp, delivering layers of heat and flavor that will leave you craving more. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a regular weeknight treat, this dish is guaranteed to spice up your mealtime in the most delicious way. 🍤🔥🍝