Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
The ultimate comfort food, Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta combines rich flavors and creamy textures for an easy weeknight dinner that satisfies every craving. With succulent shrimp, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce, this dish is sure to impress. Make it tonight for a deliciously satisfying meal!
Equipment
- Skillet
- Frying Pan
- Peeler
- Large Pot
- Grater
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 3/4 pound medium shrimp thawed & peeled
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 small onion chopped finely
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes julienned
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning see note
- 8 large leaves basil torn
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese to taste
Instructions
- Start by boiling a large, salted pot of water over high heat. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the pasta. Cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil, allowing the butter to melt and foam.
- Next, add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and slightly golden. This step enhances the flavor of your dish.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The aroma at this point is heavenly!
- Pour in the heavy cream and add the Cajun seasoning. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Now it’s time to add the shrimp into the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Make sure not to overcook!
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh basil leaves, allowing them to wilt slightly in the warm sauce.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the skillet. Toss gently to combine, ensuring every strand is coated in that luscious sauce.
- Serve the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta hot, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy this rich, flavorful dish with your favorite companions!
Notes
- Tip 1: Cajun seasoning can be quite salty, so be sure to give the dish a taste before adding extra salt & pepper, or use a lower sodium version.
- Tip 2: If you can only find 1 lb. bags of shrimp, use that. You don’t need to be spot on 3/4 pounds (they sell 3/4 pound bags where I live).
- Tip 3: I used the julienned (cut into strips) sun-dried tomatoes that are packed in oil and drained the oil prior to adding them to the pan.
- Tip 4: Feel free to remove the tails of the shrimp. I leave them on for photos but usually remove them in real life.
- Tip 5: Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.