20-Min Cajun Shrimp Pasta & Garlic Bread
Sear spiced shrimp, toss with penne in a quick cajun cream sauce, and finish with crispy garlic bread. A weeknight skillet dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but takes under 20 minutes.
- Total time
- 20 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 612
- Protein
- 32g
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- ¾ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1.5 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 4 slices pre-sliced baguette or garlic bread
- ½ whole lemon (juiced)
Instructions
- 1
Boil salted water in a large skillet. Add penne and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
- 2
Return skillet to medium-high heat with 1 tbsp oil. Pat shrimp dry, season with cajun seasoning, then sear 90 seconds per side until pink and opaque.
- 3
Pour cream into the skillet with the shrimp. Stir in reserved pasta water and lemon juice until smooth, about 1 minute.
- 4
Add cooked penne to the cream sauce and toss until every strand is coated, 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- 5
Toast garlic bread in a separate skillet or toaster oven until edges are golden, about 3 minutes, while pasta finishes.
- 6
Divide pasta between bowls. Serve alongside crispy garlic bread. Garnish with fresh parsley if you have it.
Tools you’ll need
- 12-inch skillet
- pasta fork or tongs
- wooden spoon
- small toaster oven or second skillet
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