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- 12 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Fresh shrimp makes a big difference in flavor. The Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick. You can use any sweet bell pepper. Red or yellow works best. I love using cherry tomatoes for their sweetness. Heavy cream makes your pasta rich and creamy. Don't skip the garnish; parsley adds color and freshness. If you want, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top for extra flavor. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and fun. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add 1 small onion, diced, and 1 bell pepper, diced. Sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes. - Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and toast for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. - Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning over the cooked vegetables. Mix well and let the spices toast for 1 minute. - Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot. - Cook the shrimp until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes. - Remove the shrimp from the pot and set them aside. - In the same pot, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften. - Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. - Add 12 ounces of fettuccine pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, stirring often. - Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of paprika. - Mix well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. - Add the cooked shrimp back into the pot. Combine everything gently and season with salt and pepper to taste. - Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to meld the flavors. - Choosing the right pasta: I love using fettuccine for this dish. Its wide shape holds the sauce well and adds a nice texture. You can also try linguine or penne if you prefer. Just ensure it cooks to al dente for the best bite. - Balancing the creaminess and spices: The heavy cream gives a rich flavor. Use just enough to coat the pasta without drowning it. The Cajun seasoning should shine through, so taste as you go. Adjust the spice to fit your palate. - Essential sautéing techniques: Start by heating olive oil in your pot. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft. This brings out their natural sweetness. Add garlic next and cook it lightly to release its aroma. - Avoiding overcooked shrimp: Shrimp cook fast! They only need 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. If you leave them too long, they become rubbery. Remove them from the pot as soon as they’re done to keep them tender. - Ideal serving suggestions: Serve your pasta in deep bowls. This keeps the sauce from spilling and makes it look inviting. - Garnishing for enhanced flavor: Finish your dish with chopped fresh parsley. This adds a pop of color and fresh taste. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese is a great touch too. It adds a salty richness that pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta you use. Try penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta. Each type gives a unique twist to the dish. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition and flavor. Good choices include spinach, zucchini, or broccoli. These add color and crunch. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. If you want more heat, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning. You can also mix in different proteins. Cooked chicken or sausage works great in this recipe. Both add a hearty touch. If you follow a vegan diet, use plant-based shrimp or tofu. Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. For gluten-free needs, select gluten-free pasta. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy Cajun shrimp pasta. To keep your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors intact. If you have leftover pasta, store it in the fridge right away. It lasts for about three to four days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. When reheating, I recommend using the stovetop for the best results. Heat the pasta in a pan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often until warmed through. This way, you keep the creamy texture and rich flavors. If the pasta seems dry, add more liquid as needed. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Divide the pasta into small portions and use freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This will help prevent freezer burn. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of liquid to refresh the dish. It takes about 30 minutes to make creamy Cajun shrimp pasta. This includes prep and cooking time. You can have a tasty meal ready in no time! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15 minutes. This will save you time and still taste great. I love serving this dish with garlic bread and a fresh salad. The bread soaks up the sauce well. You can also add a side of roasted vegetables for extra nutrition. Yes, this dish has a bit of spice from the Cajun seasoning. If you want it milder, use less seasoning. You can also add cream to tone down the heat. For extra spice, add more seasoning or red pepper flakes. Yes, you can make creamy Cajun shrimp pasta ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove. In this guide, we explored how to make a delicious Cajun shrimp pasta. We covered the main ingredients, essential tools, and step-by-step instructions to create this dish. I shared tips for cooking, variations, and proper storage methods to keep your leftovers fresh. Making this meal can be fun and easy. By following these guidelines, you’ll serve a tasty dish that pleases everyone. Enjoy your cooking and impress your friends and family with your new skills!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta One Pot

Indulge in a flavorful journey with this creamy Cajun shrimp pasta recipe that's perfect for dinner any night of the week! With tender shrimp, vibrant veggies, and a rich cream sauce over fettuccine, this dish is sure to impress. In just 30 minutes, you can create a gourmet meal that's both satisfying and easy to make. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your next meal!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz fettuccine pasta

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

      Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the cooked vegetables and stir to combine, allowing the spices to toast for 1 minute.

        Add the shrimp to the pot, cooking until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside.

          In the same pot, add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.

            Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine pasta. Cook according to package instructions until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.

              Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and paprika. Mix well, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

                Add the cooked shrimp back into the pot and combine everything gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

                  Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.

                    - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve in bowls topped with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Pair with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.