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Cajun Shrimp Pasta in Cream Sauce

Garlicky, spiced shrimp tossed with penne in a one-skillet cream sauce spiked with Cajun seasoning and a hit of lemon. Ready in under 25 minutes and feels fancy but tastes like weeknight comfort.

Total time
24 min
Servings
2
Calories
725
Protein
48g
Cajun Shrimp Pasta in Cream Sauce
comfortindulgentamericanshrimptendercreamyMain courseweeknight

Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Boil salted water in a large skillet, add penne, and cook until al dente, ~9 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.

  2. Step 2

    Add 2 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet over medium-high heat. Pat shrimp dry, season with salt and cajun spice, then sear 90 seconds per side until edges pink.

  3. Step 3

    Push shrimp to the side. Add diced pepper to the pan and cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until edges soften.

  4. Step 4

    Pour in cream and wine. Stir in remaining cajun seasoning and lemon juice. Simmer 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

  5. Step 5

    Add cooked pasta back to the skillet. Toss gently, adding pasta water 1/4 cup at a time until sauce coats the noodles.

  6. Step 6

    Stir in parmesan off the heat. Divide between bowls and serve immediately.

Tools you’ll need

  • large skillet (12-inch)
  • colander
  • wooden spoon
  • chef's knife
  • cutting board
  • microplane or box grater

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