Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 garlic (1–2 cloves, minced)
• 1 shallot (small, chopped)
• 1 mini bell pepper (or 1/2 a bell pepper, chopped)
• 80 g pasta
• 8 shrimp (8–10 shrimp; season with the listed salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning)
• salt for shrimp (pinch, for seasoning the shrimp)
• black pepper for shrimp (pinch, for seasoning the shrimp)
• 0.25 tsp Cajun seasoning for shrimp (for seasoning the shrimp)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or use cooking spray)
• 0.25 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.25 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (Adjust according to spice tolerance)
• 0.25 tsp dried parsley
• 0.25 tsp chili flakes (Optional)
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.333 cup half-and-half cream (Use about 1/3 to 1/2 cup)
• 0.5 cup pasta water (Add 2 tbsp at a time until the desired sauce consistency is reached)

Steps

1. 1

   Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt, a pinch of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning.

2. 2

   Cook the 80 g pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

3. 3

   Heat the cooking spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan, then add the chopped garlic, shallot, and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened.

4. 4

   Add the seasoned shrimp and cook until opaque and cooked through.

5. 5

   Add the smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, cayenne, dried parsley, optional chili flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine.

6. 6

   Pour in about 1/3 to 1/2 cup half-and-half cream and stir to form the sauce.

7. 7

   Add the cooked pasta and toss with the sauce. Add the reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.

Notes

The source provides the ingredient list and the instruction to add pasta water gradually, but does not specify cooking temperatures, exact cooking times, or detailed shrimp and vegetable cooking instructions.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• shrimp
• seafood
• Cajun-inspired
• quick meal
• creamy
• spicy