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A plate of pasta with meat and cheese.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Print Recipe
Course dinner course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings

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!
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