If you’re craving a dish that packs a punch of bold flavor wrapped in a luscious, velvety sauce, then you are going to fall in love with this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy enough for a special dinner yet comes together quickly enough for a weeknight treat. Spicy, savory shrimp coated in a perfectly seasoned cream sauce, partnered with tender pasta and melty cheese — this recipe checks every box for comfort, excitement, and pure satisfaction. I can’t wait to share all the tips and steps so you can bring this incredible dish to your dinner table with confidence and joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe serves a purpose — from building its signature spice profile to creating that irresistible creamy texture and gorgeous color contrast. These simple, pantry-friendly staples combine to transform everyday shrimp and pasta into a dazzling meal.
- 1 lb. uncooked shrimp: Fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined shrimp provide the main protein with a tender texture.
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning: Adds that smoky, spicy flavor that defines the dish’s character.
- 1 red bell pepper (diced): Brings a sweet crunch and vibrant red color to brighten the plate.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil): Essential for sautéing shrimp and vegetables with a clean flavor and good heat tolerance.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Creates that rich, silky base for the sauce and adds depth.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Provides an aromatic punch that complements the Cajun spices perfectly.
- 3 tablespoons flour: Works as a thickening agent to give the sauce its indulgent creaminess.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Adds savory flavor while thinning the sauce just enough for ideal coating.
- ¾ cups heavy cream (or half and half): The star of the sauce, making everything smooth and luscious.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the heat and spices with a subtle touch of sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce: Boosts heat and layers more complexity into the spice profile.
- 10 oz. Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (juice reserved): Brings acidity and a tangy zest as well as texture.
- ¾ cup cheddar jack cheese (shredded): Melts into the sauce for gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning: Added again here for extra flavor punch.
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar: Enhances the caramel notes and balances acidity.
- ½ teaspoon EACH: mustard powder, oregano: These herbs and spice add a subtle earthiness and complexity.
- 1 pinch EACH: cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes: For those who like it spicier, these bring an extra fiery kick.
- Lime wedges: For bright, refreshing acidity when serving.
- Fresh cilantro (roughly chopped): Adds a fresh, herbal contrast at the end.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry to make sure they sear nicely instead of steaming. Toss them with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to coat them evenly, awakening all those rich spices that will carry throughout the dish. This simple seasoning step is what sets the flavor foundation and ensures the shrimp stand out in every bite.
Step 2: Sauté Shrimp and Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque — be careful not to overcook! Remove the shrimp and set aside. Next, in the same pan, add diced red bell pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened but still vibrant. This step layers flavor by building sweetness and texture against the spicy shrimp.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and melt butter in the skillet. Stir in minced garlic and cook just until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to form a roux — this will thicken your sauce beautifully. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and reserved tomato juice from the Rotel can to lift off all the browned bits and enhance flavor depth. Stir in heavy cream, honey, hot sauce, and spices including the second portion of Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, mustard powder, oregano, cayenne, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Combine and Melt Cheese
Return the shrimp to the sauce along with the shredded cheddar jack cheese and diced Rotel tomatoes. Stir gently until the cheese melts fully into the sauce and everything is heated through. This step transforms the sauce into the ultimate creamy, cheesy dream that clings perfectly to pasta.
Step 5: Toss with Cooked Pasta and Finish
Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions (I love using fettuccine or penne here!). Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Toss the pasta directly into the shrimp and sauce mixture, mixing until evenly coated. Squeeze lime juice over the top for a bright, lively finish. Your Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro on top adds a fresh herbal note that balances the richness of the sauce beautifully. A few lime wedges on the side encourage guests to add an extra tangy burst if they like. If you want a bit of crunch, toasted breadcrumbs or chopped green onions make excellent additions too.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light and crisp sides that don’t compete with the bold flavors. Think a simple mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with a little lemon and garlic. Garlic bread is a classic side to mop up any leftover sauce, elevating the comfort factor even more.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, you can serve the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe family-style in a large skillet or deep serving bowl. To dress things up, plate individual portions in shallow bowls and garnish each with cilantro, lime wedges, and an extra sprinkle of cheese. For a fun twist, try stuffing the shrimp mixture into bell pepper halves or serving over creamy grits instead of pasta for a Southern-inspired variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld beautifully overnight, making the next-day meal even more delicious.
Freezing
While the shrimp and creamy sauce can be frozen, the texture of the pasta may change slightly. If freezing, store the shrimp and sauce separately from the pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving directly as it can unevenly cook the shrimp and pasta.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to achieve that perfect sear and avoid excess water in the pan.
What type of pasta works best with this dish?
Fettuccine, penne, or even linguine are excellent choices since their shape holds the creamy sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite variety.
Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?
Yes! Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, and hot sauce. The cajun seasoning alone still adds great flavor without too much heat.
Can I substitute the heavy cream for something lighter?
Using half and half is a common substitution that lightens the sauce but keeps it creamy. For a dairy-free version, coconut milk can work, though it will add a slight coconut flavor.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe has become a beloved go-to for anyone who craves a perfect balance of spice, richness, and heartwarming comfort. It’s approachable enough for busy evenings but special enough to impress your family or friends. Trust me, once you try this, it will be on repeat in your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try and savor every creamy, spicy, cheesy bite!
Print
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Cajun Shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, creamy, and spicy sauce made with butter, garlic, Cajun seasoning, and a blend of cheeses. Enhanced with diced bell peppers, Rotel tomatoes, and a hint of honey and lime, this dish offers bold flavors perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 lb. uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped, for garnish
Seasonings and Spices
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (additional)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (light)
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ¾ cups heavy cream (can substitute half and half)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 10 oz. Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (juice reserved)
- ¾ cup cheddar jack cheese, shredded
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp and Vegetables: Rinse and pat dry the shrimp. Dice the red bell pepper and mince the garlic cloves. Set the lime wedges and rough chopped cilantro aside for garnish to use after cooking.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp seasoned with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables and Make Roux: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced red bell pepper and minced garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the 3 tablespoons of flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Prepare the Sauce: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, reserved juice from the Rotel tomatoes, honey, hot sauce, and remaining seasonings: 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, mustard powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Cheese: Stir in the diced Rotel tomatoes with green chilies and shredded cheddar jack cheese. Continue cooking and stirring gently until the cheese has melted completely and sauce is creamy.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat the shrimp evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld and to ensure the shrimp is heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of fresh lime juice. Serve the Cajun shrimp hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh large shrimp peeled and deveined.
- The cheddar jack cheese adds a creamy, melty texture and sharpness. You can substitute with mild cheddar or Monterey Jack if desired.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper for your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs well with rice, grits, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
