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
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1.5 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 1 whole (juiced) lemon
- 1 medium bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- 1
Boil salted water in a large skillet, add penne, and cook until al dente, ~9 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- 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
Push shrimp to the side. Add diced pepper to the pan and cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until edges soften.
- 4
Pour in cream and wine. Stir in remaining cajun seasoning and lemon juice. Simmer 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- 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
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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