Description
Savor the bold flavors of Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta—a quick and comforting dish featuring succulent shrimp, a luscious creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions!
Ingredients
- 16 oz large Argentinian shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon red paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 jalapeño, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 14 oz rigatoni pasta
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Toss shrimp with lemon juice, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika powders, and oregano.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Sear shrimp in a heated skillet until pink and opaque, then set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté diced jalapeño, red bell pepper, and onion until fragrant and softened.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Stir in tomato sauce, heavy cream, and additional seasonings. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce:
- Return shrimp to the skillet, add parsley, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cook Pasta:
- Boil rigatoni until al dente, reserving some pasta water. Drain.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Toss pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water for desired consistency. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve:
- Garnish with Parmesan, parsley, and black pepper. Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning and jalapeño for preferred spice level.
- Substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or sausage for variety.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun, Fusion
