Description
A quick, flavorful, and creamy weeknight dinner featuring seared shrimp in a rich Cajun-spiced cream sauce tossed with fettuccine. Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine or linguine
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pat shrimp dry and add to the skillet. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Sear undisturbed for 2 minutes, flip, and cook 1-2 minutes more until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning and stir constantly for 1 minute to toast spices.
- Pour in heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pan. Simmer gently for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add drained pasta and cooked shrimp back to the skillet. Toss vigorously to coat.
- Add reserved pasta water and fresh parsley. Toss one final time and serve immediately.
Notes
Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Save pasta water to help emulsify the sauce. Cajun seasoning varies in saltiness and heat, so taste before adding extra salt. This dish does not freeze well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 65
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: shrimp pasta, creamy cajun pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meals, 30 minute recipes, easy shrimp recipe, one pan dinner