Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Shrimp Marinade
01 -
16 oz large Argentinian shrimp, peeled and patted dry
02 -
Juice of 1 lemon
03 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
04 -
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
05 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
1 teaspoon red paprika powder
07 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder
08 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano
→ Pasta Ingredients
09 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 -
1 jalapeño, diced
11 -
1 red bell pepper, diced
12 -
1 yellow onion, diced
13 -
½ cup tomato sauce
14 -
1 cup heavy cream
15 -
Fresh parsley, chopped
16 -
14 oz rigatoni pasta
17 -
Salt and pepper, to taste
18 -
Freshly grated Parmesan, optional
→ Seasonings for Pasta Sauce
19 -
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
20 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
21 -
1 teaspoon red paprika powder
22 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder
23 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano
# Instructions:
01 -
Peel and wash the shrimp, then pat them dry thoroughly. In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with lemon juice, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, red paprika powder, smoked paprika powder, and dried oregano. Mix well and coat the shrimp evenly.
02 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Fry the marinated shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
03 -
In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Add the diced jalapeño, red bell pepper, and yellow onion. Sauté for 7-10 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
04 -
Pour in the tomato sauce and stir for 2-3 minutes. Add the heavy cream along with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, red paprika powder, smoked paprika powder, and dried oregano. Stir to combine. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan (if using). Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes.
05 -
Cook the rigatoni pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
06 -
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
07 -
Serve the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper.