Go Back
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste This dish starts with fettuccine pasta. Fettuccine holds the sauce well. You will need one pound of shrimp, which should be peeled and deveined. The Cajun seasoning adds bold flavor. For the base, gather olive oil, onion, garlic, and bell pepper. These add depth to the dish. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color. Finally, heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. Chicken broth adds more flavor. Parmesan cheese ties it all together. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste! With these ingredients, you're ready to create a meal that is both easy and delicious! - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. - Next, mix in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened. - Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning into the pot. Stir well and let it bloom for about a minute. - Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes. - Now, include 8 oz of fettuccine pasta, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of chicken broth, and 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix everything together and bring it to a gentle boil. - Lower the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens, about 10-12 minutes. - If the sauce gets too thick, add more broth to reach your desired consistency. - Finally, remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. - How to avoid overcooking shrimp: Cook shrimp until they turn pink. This takes about 3-4 minutes. If they curl up tightly, they are overcooked. - Achieving creamy sauce consistency: Stir in cheese after cooking. If the sauce is too thick, add more broth slowly. This keeps it creamy. - Best sides to pair with the dish: A light salad or garlic bread works great. They balance the meal well. - Garnish options for enhanced flavor: Use sliced green onions or fresh parsley. They add color and fresh taste. - Recommendations for cookware: A large pot is key. It should be sturdy and safe for high heat. - Essential kitchen gadgets for ease: A good knife and cutting board make prep easy. A wooden spoon helps mix everything well. {{image_2}} You can easily switch shrimp for chicken. Use boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Cook them just like the shrimp until they are golden and cooked through. This change gives you a tasty twist. For vegetarian options, try using mushrooms or tofu. You can sauté them until they are golden and add them at the same stage as the shrimp. This makes the dish hearty and filling without meat. If you need gluten-free options, there are many pastas to try. Brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta work well. They will give you a similar texture and flavor. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time. You can also experiment with other pasta shapes. Penne or rigatoni can hold the sauce nicely. They will give each bite a bit of a different feel. To add more heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect level of spice for your taste. Incorporating vegetables boosts the nutrition. Spinach or kale can be great additions. Toss them in when you add the cream. They will wilt nicely and add color to your dish. To store leftovers, cool the pasta first. I recommend placing it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. Make sure you seal it well to prevent moisture loss. Glass containers work best for this. They do not absorb odors and help keep flavors intact. When reheating, aim for low heat. This helps maintain flavor and texture. If using a microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This keeps moisture in and prevents drying out. Stir every minute to heat evenly. If you prefer the stove, place it in a pan with a splash of broth. Stir often until warmed through. Yes, you can freeze One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta! To do this, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last for up to two months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it on low heat and add a splash of broth to restore creaminess. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and shrimp, then mix them with the sauce. When ready to eat, just heat it on the stove. What can I substitute for heavy cream? You can use coconut milk or a mix of milk and flour. These options will keep the dish creamy without heavy cream. Is Cajun seasoning spicy? Cajun seasoning can be spicy, but it varies by brand. If you want less heat, use a small amount at first, then taste before adding more. How to tell when shrimp are cooked? Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl up. They should feel firm to the touch, not mushy. How long does it take to cook this dish? It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. This makes it a quick and easy meal. Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, use a dairy-free cream or coconut milk. This will keep your dish creamy and delicious without dairy. In this post, we explored making a delicious One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta. We covered key ingredients, including pasta, shrimp, and spices, along with cooking steps and handy tips. You learned how to store and reheat leftovers, too. This dish is easy to customize and perfect for any meal. Dive into flavors that excite your taste buds. Enjoy cooking, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your own twists!

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in the tasty goodness of One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta that brings bold flavors to your dinner table in just 30 minutes! This easy recipe combines tender shrimp, fettuccine, and a creamy Cajun sauce, making it a perfect weeknight meal. With minimal cleanup, you can savor every bite without the hassle. Click through for the full recipe and enjoy a deliciously satisfying dish tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine pasta

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

    Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the pot, sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

      Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and stir well to combine, letting the spices bloom for about a minute.

        Add the shrimp to the pot and cook until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.

          Add the fettuccine pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream into the pot. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil.

            Lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and the sauce has thickened, about 10-12 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more broth to achieve your desired consistency.

              Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

                Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions.

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