15-Min Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Seared shrimp tossed with penne in a spiced cream sauce spiked with garlic, paprika, and a squeeze of lemon. One skillet, dinner in under 15 minutes.
- Total time
- 15 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 638
- Protein
- 42g
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1.5 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ whole lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- 1
Boil penne in salted water until al dente, about 9 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- 2
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and black pepper.
- 3
Add shrimp to the skillet and sear 90 seconds per side without stirring until edges turn opaque and pink.
- 4
Pour cream over shrimp. Stir in smoked paprika, cayenne, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Simmer 2 minutes until fragrant.
- 5
Add cooked penne and 1/4 cup pasta water to the skillet. Toss until sauce coats the pasta, adding more water if needed.
- 6
Squeeze lemon juice over the top. Stir in parmesan and parsley. Taste and adjust salt and cayenne heat to preference.
Tools you’ll need
- large pot for pasta
- 12-inch stainless steel or cast-iron skillet
- wooden spoon
- colander
- measuring spoons
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