Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp kosher salt (for pasta water)
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb raw shrimp (deveined, cleaned, tail removed, patted dry)
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated from a block recommended)

Steps

1. 1

   Prior to cooking, prep all of your ingredients. You will want to add the pasta to the water around the same time you start cooking the shrimp.

2. 2

   Combine the 1 pound raw shrimp with the 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning and the 1 tablespoon olive oil in a bowl. Toss to combine.

3. 3

   Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt to a pot of water and bring to a boil. At the same time, heat a large skillet over medium high heat.

4. 4

   Add the 8 ounces penne pasta to the salted boiling water and cook to al dente doneness according to package instructions.

5. 5

   Before draining the pasta, scoop out at least 1/2 cup of the cooking water and reserve it to thin the sauce later if needed. Drain the pasta and set aside.

6. 6

   As soon as you add the pasta to the water, add the 1 tablespoon butter to the preheated skillet and melt.

7. 7

   Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook until golden brown on each side, turning only once. You may have to cook the shrimp in two batches to avoid crowding the pan.

8. 8

   Once the shrimp are done cooking, transfer them to a clean plate and reduce the skillet heat to medium.

9. 9

   Add the 1 cup heavy cream to the pan and scrape the bottom with a flat-shaped wooden spoon to release any browned seasoning bits (fond) stuck to the skillet.

10. 10

    Allow the cream to bubble around the edges, then reduce the heat to low and stir in the 1/2 cup parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

11. 11

    Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet and stir to coat thoroughly with the sauce.

12. 12

    If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved. Taste and add additional salt if desired.

Notes

For the best results, grate your Parmesan cheese from a block using a microplane so it melts instantly. If using pre-cooked shrimp, coat them in seasoning but skip the sauté step; simply add them to the finished cream sauce to warm through. You can customize this dish by adding bell peppers, onions, or andouille sausage.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• shrimp
• seafood
• cajun
• spicy
• quick dinner
• weeknight meal