You know those nights when you want something delicious but don’t want to deal with a sink full of dishes? That’s exactly why I fell in love with this One-Pan Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta. It’s got everything: juicy shrimp, al dente pasta, and that rich, spicy sauce that makes you go “wow” with every bite. I first made it during a crazy week when my sister visited unexpectedly, and now it’s our go-to “impress people fast” meal. The best part? You’ll spend more time eating than cleaning because everything cooks in one pan. Trust me, that Cajun kick mixed with creamy Parmesan is pure magic.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Let me tell you why this dish is about to become your weeknight hero:
- Quick magic: From fridge to table in under 25 minutes, perfect for those “I’m starving NOW” moments
- One pan wonder: More time savoring, less time scrubbing (my kind of cooking math!)
- Flavor fireworks: That Cajun kick dances with creamy Parmesan like they were made for each other
- Crowd pleaser: Even my picky nephew licks the bowl clean, spicy but not “call the fire department” hot
Seriously, the first time I made this, my husband asked if I’d secretly ordered takeout. Nope, just pure, easy deliciousness!
Ingredients for One-Pan Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Gather these simple ingredients, I promise you probably have half of them already. The key is quality here: fresh shrimp, real Parmesan (none of that powdery stuff!), and good Cajun seasoning make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz penne pasta: The ridges hold the sauce like little flavor pockets
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Get the 21-25 count size, perfect bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning: My favorite trick? Mix 1 tbsp store-bought with 1 tbsp homemade for depth
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Just enough to get that garlic golden without smoking
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Pressed garlic works too, but I love the texture of hand-minced
- 1 cup heavy cream: The base of our luscious sauce, worth every calorie
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Swirl the container before measuring to blend the fats
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts smoother than pre-shredded
- 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper: Taste as you go, I usually add an extra pinch
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley: The bright green pop that makes it restaurant-worthy
See? Nothing crazy, just good, honest ingredients ready to work some magic together.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Okay, let’s get cooking! This comes together so fast you’ll barely have time to pour yourself a drink (though I highly recommend doing that first). Follow these simple steps and you’ll have restaurant-quality pasta in no time.
Cooking the Pasta
Start by cooking your penne in salted boiling water, aim for al dente, about 1 minute less than the package says. Why? Because it’ll finish cooking in that glorious sauce later. Drain it but don’t rinse (you want that starchy goodness to help thicken the sauce). Pro tip: Save about 1/2 cup pasta water just in case your sauce needs loosening later.
Seasoning and Searing the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, toss those beautiful shrimp with Cajun seasoning until they’re evenly coated, like little flavor snowflakes! Heat oil in your largest skillet over medium-high. When it shimmers, add shrimp in a single layer (don’t crowd them or they’ll steam instead of sear). Cook just 1-2 minutes per side until pink, they’ll finish cooking later. Remove to a plate immediately so they don’t overcook.
Making the Creamy Cajun Sauce
In that same pan (don’t wash it, all those browned bits equal flavor!), sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in cream and broth, scraping up any stuck-on bits, that’s gold! Let it bubble gently for 2 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in Parmesan until melted, the sauce should coat the back of a spoon. Too thick? Add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Combining Everything
Now the magic happens! Return the shrimp to the pan along with the cooked pasta. Toss gently with tongs until every noodle wears its creamy Cajun coat. Let it all cozy up together for 1 minute off heat, this helps the pasta absorb flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Boom! You just made magic in one pan.
Tips for Perfect One-Pan Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Here are my hard-earned secrets for next-level results every time:
- Control the heat: Start with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning if you’re spice-shy, you can always add more later
- Fresh is best: That jarred minced garlic won’t give you the same punch as freshly chopped cloves
- Give shrimp space: Cook in batches if needed, crowded shrimp steam instead of getting that perfect sear
- Sauce too thin? Let it simmer an extra minute. Too thick? Stir in that reserved pasta water spoon by spoon
- Don’t skip the parsley: That fresh green finish makes all the flavors pop visually and taste-wise
Trust me, these little touches take your pasta from “good” to “lick-the-pan” amazing!
Ingredient Substitutions and Notes
Life happens, and sometimes you need to swap ingredients, I get it! Here are my tried-and-true substitutions that still deliver amazing flavor:
- Cream alternatives: Half-and-half works beautifully for a lighter sauce, though it won’t be quite as luxuriously thick
- Pasta options: Gluten-free penne holds up great, just check the cooking time since some brands vary
- Cajun seasoning hack: No store-bought blend? Mix 1 tsp each paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne with 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Cheese swaps: Pecorino Romano adds a sharper kick if you’re out of Parmesan
The beauty of this recipe? It’s forgiving, just keep tasting as you go! If you are looking for other great shrimp pasta ideas, check out this Shrimp Alfredo Cajun Penne Recipe.
Serving Suggestions for One-Pan Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
This pasta shines bright all on its own, but here’s how I love to serve it: with warm garlic bread for sauce-dipping action and a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Sometimes I’ll add lemon wedges for those who want extra brightness, the acidity cuts through the cream beautifully. For special occasions, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc turns dinner into a mini vacation! For more delicious recipes, visit Family Tastes.
Storing and Reheating One-Pan Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Got leftovers? (Unlikely, but it happens!) Pack any remaining pasta in an airtight container, it’ll keep for up to 2 days in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth and warm it gently over low heat, stirring often. The sauce will come back to life beautifully without overcooking those perfect shrimp. Microwave works too, just cover with a damp paper towel and use 30-second bursts to prevent that dreaded rubbery texture.
Nutritional Information
Just so you know what you’re diving into (not that you’ll care once you taste it!), here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving. Remember, these are estimates, your exact numbers will vary based on ingredients used:
- Calories: 520, Worth every single one!
- Fat: 28g (14g saturated), That’s where the creamy magic happens
- Protein: 32g, Thanks to all those plump shrimp
- Carbs: 35g, Perfectly balanced for a satisfying meal
- Sodium: 980mg, Mostly from the Cajun seasoning, so adjust if needed
I always say life’s too short to count calories when food tastes this good, just enjoy every bite! If you enjoy creamy pasta, you might also like this Shrimp and Creamy Peppercorn Pasta Recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cold running water. Pat them super dry before seasoning, this helps them get that perfect sear instead of steaming. I actually keep a bag of frozen shrimp just for this recipe!
How can I make it spicier?
Oh, I like your style! Kick up the heat by adding 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning, or toss in some red pepper flakes with the garlic. My brother always adds a few dashes of hot sauce at the end, just wait until after adding the cheese so it doesn’t make the sauce separate.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
You bet! Rigatoni or fettuccine work great, just adjust cooking time accordingly. Avoid tiny shapes like orzo though; they’ll disappear in that luscious sauce. The ridges on penne are my favorite for trapping every drop of creamy goodness.
Will the sauce thicken as it cools?
Yes, it’ll continue to thicken a bit off heat, that’s normal! If it gets too thick when reheating, just stir in a splash of warm chicken broth or cream. The pasta keeps absorbing liquid, so I often make the sauce slightly looser than I want initially.
Can I make this ahead?
Honestly? It’s best fresh since the pasta keeps absorbing sauce. But if you must, cook everything except the pasta, store the shrimp and sauce separately, then toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready. The flavors actually deepen overnight! For another easy shrimp dish, try the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe.
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25-Minute One-Pan Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring juicy shrimp, tender pasta, and a creamy Cajun sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the pan.
- Add garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and add the cooked pasta. Toss to coat everything evenly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 220mg