Cajun Shrimp Pasta
The Ultimate Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe: A Perfect Dish for Valentine’s Day Dinner!
Looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day? Cajun Shrimp Pasta is the ideal dish to impress your loved one while enjoying a delicious, spicy, and creamy pasta dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish offers the perfect balance of heat, flavor, and comfort.
Why Choose Cajun Shrimp Pasta for Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day dinners don’t have to be complicated to be impressive. Cajun Shrimp Pasta is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly versatile. The combination of shrimp with a bold Cajun seasoning brings a vibrant, smoky flavor to the pasta, while the creamy sauce adds richness that pairs beautifully with the spices. The dish also comes together in about 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for a romantic meal at home.
Pairing Cajun Shrimp Pasta with the Perfect Wine or Cocktail
A glass of wine or a crafted cocktail can really enhance your Cajun Shrimp Pasta dinner. For wine lovers, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works wonderfully with this dish. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, a classic Mojito or a refreshing citrus cooler will balance the rich flavors of the pasta.
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- Cajun Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Cajun Pasta with Shrimp:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning homemade or store-bought, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more to taste
- 1 fresh lemon. juiced
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cajun Seasoning:
- In a small bowl, combine all of the seasoning ingredients and mix well.
- Cajun Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy water and drain the pasta.
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning mix and toss until fully coated on all sides.
- .
- Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive in a large cast iron skillet or heavy bottomed skillet, over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook until pink and cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the shrimp to a plate.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the garlic and sauté for 20 to 30 seconds, until fragrant but making sure not to burn. Add the butter and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and lemon juice. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and creamy, about 5 minutes. At this point taste the sauce and adjust Cajun seasoning, salt, and lemon juice to taste, if needed.
- Add the pasta to the sauce and toss until coated. Slowly add some of the reserved pasta water, if needed, enough until you have reached your desired consistency. Stir in the shrimp and finish with fresh herbs. Enjoy!