Description
Enjoy a quick and comforting Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, perfect for weeknight dinners. This dish features plump shrimp, sautéed vegetables, and a rich cream sauce clinging to rigatoni, all infused with vibrant Cajun flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Large Argentinian Shrimp, peeled and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Red Paprika Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 Jalapeño, diced
- 1 cup Red Bell Pepper, chopped
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, chopped
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 12 ounces Rigatoni Pasta
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp in lemon juice, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, red paprika, and oregano for 10 minutes.
- Sauté the marinated shrimp in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Melt butter in the same skillet. Add jalapeño, red bell pepper, and yellow onion, cooking for 7-10 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomato sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add heavy cream and remaining spices, mixing well.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine pasta with the sauce and shrimp. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For an extra zing, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- Pat the shrimp dry before marinating for a better sear.
- Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Customize with different vegetables or pasta types.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg