A simple and delicious weeknight meal combining succulent shrimp with a creamy, spiced sauce over pasta.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Total Time45 minutesmins
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4servings
Equipment
Large Pot
Large Skillet
Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Pasta
12ouncesSpaghetti or LinguineCook until al dente.
Shrimp
1poundLarge Shrimp, peeled and deveinedFresh or thawed frozen shrimp.
Oil
2tablespoonsOlive OilExtra virgin for best flavor.
Seasoning
2tablespoonsCajun SeasoningStore-bought or homemade.
Garlic
4clovesGarlic, mincedSauté until fragrant.
Cream
1cupHeavy CreamFor a rich sauce.
Cheese
½cupParmesan Cheese, gratedReserve some for garnishing.
Onions
2tablespoonsGreen Onions, choppedFor garnish.
Seasoning
Salt and PepperTo taste.
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add Cajun seasoning and stir to combine with garlic.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously.
6. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
7. Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Add pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, adding reserved water as needed.
8. Return shrimp to the skillet, mix well, and heat through for 1 minute.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with green onions and additional Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For variations, consider adding vegetables like spinach or using chicken instead of shrimp.