One-Pan Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Tender shrimp, penne, and a smoky cream sauce with Cajun spice come together in one skillet in under 20 minutes. Finish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Total time
- 18 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 612
- Protein
- 34g
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- ¾ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1.5 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 whole lemon
Instructions
- 1
Boil penne in salted water until al dente, about 9 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- 2
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then sear 90 seconds per side until opaque.
- 3
Remove shrimp to a plate. Add minced garlic (2 cloves) to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- 4
Stir in smoked paprika and Cajun seasoning, then pour in cream and 0.5 cup reserved pasta water. Simmer 2 minutes.
- 5
Add penne and shrimp back to the skillet, tossing to coat. Squeeze half the lemon over and taste for seasoning.
- 6
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and remaining lemon wedge.
Tools you’ll need
- large pot for pasta
- 12-inch skillet
- colander
- tongs or wooden spoon
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