One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

My One Pot Cajun Shrimp Pasta Secret

Let me tell you about my Easy Cajun Shrimp Pasta. It all cooks in one pan. I love that. It means less washing up for me. I can spend more time with you.

This One Pot Pasta Recipe is my go-to for busy nights. It feels fancy but is so simple. The smell fills the whole house. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It tells everyone dinner is almost ready.

The Little Dance in the Pan

First, we cook the green pepper, onion, and celery. This is called the “holy trinity” in Cajun cooking. It is the heart of the flavor. You want them soft and sweet.

Then everything else joins the party. The pasta, tomatoes, and broth all go in. The pasta soaks up all that good flavor as it cooks. This is why this matters. Every bite tastes like you cooked it for hours.

Shrimp and the Creamy Magic

Now for the shrimp. We add them last. They cook so fast. You just want them pink and curled. Overcooked shrimp are tough, and we don’t want that.

Then comes the magic for the Cajun Cream Sauce Pasta. A little parmesan and cream cheese. They melt right into the hot pasta. It becomes so creamy and rich. I still laugh at how easy it is.

Why This Supper is a Keeper

This is a true 30 Minute Shrimp Pasta. From fridge to table, just like that. It turns any weeknight into something special. That’s a Weeknight Shrimp Dinner winner.

It’s also a Healthy Cajun Shrimp Pasta. We use lean proteins and whole grain pasta. You get a full, happy belly without the guilt. This is why this matters. Good food should make you feel good, too.

Stories and Tips from My Kitchen

My grandson calls this “Grandma’s Spicy Noodles.” He asks for it every visit. I once forgot the bay leaves. The flavor was just not the same. So don’t skip them!

*Fun fact: The “holy trinity” of onion, celery, and pepper is the base for so many Cajun dishes. It’s like their version of soup starter.* Do you have a special “trinity” of ingredients you always use?

Your Turn to Cook

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is so forgiving. You can use what you have. No linguine? Any pasta will work. It’s a great Make Ahead Shrimp Pasta, too. Just save a little broth to loosen it up when you reheat.

I’d love to hear about your kitchen adventures. Did you try this Cajun Shrimp Linguine? What did your family think? Tell me, what’s your favorite one-pot meal to make when time is short?

Ingredients:

Instructions

Step 1: Let’s start our One Pot Cajun Shrimp Pasta. Heat your oil in a big pan. Add your chopped pepper, onion, celery, and garlic. Cook them until they smell amazing and get soft. I love this first sizzle.

Step 2: Pour in the broth to get all the tasty bits from the pan. Now add your pasta, tomatoes, milk, and all the seasonings. Give it a good stir. Cover it and let it come to a boil. This Easy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is already coming together!

Step 3: Turn the heat down to a gentle simmer. Keep it covered but stir now and then. Cook until the pasta is tender. (A hard-learned tip: keep the pasta mostly under the liquid for even cooking). This One Pot Pasta Recipe makes cleanup so simple.

Step 4: Stir in your shrimp. Cook them just until they turn pink and curl. Do not overcook, or they get rubbery. This step makes our 30 Minute Shrimp Dinner perfect. How do you know shrimp are done? Share below!

Step 5: Turn off the heat. Add the parmesan and cream cheese. Stir until your Cajun Cream Sauce Pasta is beautifully creamy. Remove the bay leaves. Your Healthy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is ready to serve. Doesn’t that look wonderful?

Creative Twists

Serving & Pairing Ideas

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a full meal. I love it with a simple green salad. A crusty piece of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce. For a lighter touch, add a lemon wedge on the side. It brightens up the whole Cajun Shrimp Linguine. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Cajun Shrimp Pasta Perfect

Let’s talk about storing this lovely One Pot Cajun Shrimp Pasta. First, let it cool a bit. Then, pop it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will stay good for about two days. This makes it a great Make Ahead Shrimp Pasta for busy nights.

I remember my first time making a big batch. I was so proud! But I left it on the stove too long. Learning to store food well saves your hard work. It also means a quick, tasty Weeknight Shrimp Dinner is ready for you.

To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to a pan. Warm it gently on the stove. Stir it until it’s hot and creamy again. This keeps your Healthy Cajun Shrimp Pasta delicious.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Pasta Problems

Even grandmas run into little kitchen troubles. Here are three common ones with this Easy Cajun Shrimp Pasta. First, a watery sauce. If your pasta seems too wet, just let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. The liquid will cook down into a perfect Cajun Cream Sauce.

Second, crunchy pasta. I once added the pasta but didn’t stir enough. Make sure the noodles are mostly under the liquid when cooking. Stir them gently now and then. This helps them cook evenly for your 30 Minute Shrimp Pasta.

Third, tough shrimp. They cook so fast! Add them only at the very end. Cook just until they turn pink and curl. This matters because tender shrimp make your Cajun Shrimp Linguine special. Fixing small issues builds your cooking confidence, too.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

How to make Cajun shrimp pasta?

You make a delicious Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta in one pot. Cook your veggies first. Then add broth, pasta, tomatoes, milk, and seasoning. Simmer until the pasta is tender. Finally, stir in shrimp and cheeses. It’s a simple One Pot Pasta Recipe perfect for any night. The key is letting it simmer covered so the pasta cooks in the flavorful liquid.

What is a good creamy garlic sauce for pasta?

The sauce in this recipe is wonderfully creamy. It uses milk, parmesan, and a little cream cheese. The garlic cooks right with the onions at the start. This creates a rich, savory base without being too heavy. It’s a lighter choice for a Healthy Cajun Shrimp Pasta. The starch from the pasta thickens the sauce beautifully as it cooks.

Can I use frozen shrimp for Cajun shrimp pasta?

Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly. Just thaw them first. Run cold water over them in a colander. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps them cook evenly in your Weeknight Shrimp Dinner. Using frozen shrimp is a great budget-friendly tip. They are just as good as fresh in this One Pot Cajun Shrimp Pasta.

What sides go well with Cajun shrimp pasta?

A simple green salad or garlic bread are my go-to sides. The salad adds a fresh, crisp bite. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the tasty Cajun Cream Sauce. A fun fact: in Louisiana, they might serve a dish like this with a side of red beans. Keep sides simple so the pasta stays the star of your table.

How to make Cajun seasoning from scratch?

Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, black pepper, and a little cayenne. Start with a teaspoon of paprika and a pinch of the others. You can adjust the heat to your liking. Making your own lets you control the salt, too. It’s easy and tastes so fresh in your Cajun Shrimp Linguine.

What is the difference between Cajun and Creole seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is often simpler and spicier. It usually has no herbs like basil or oregano. Creole seasoning is more complex and includes those herbs. It also often has more paprika. Both are delicious, but for an authentic Easy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, use a Cajun blend. It gives that classic, bold flavor we love.

Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making this One Pot Cajun Shrimp Pasta as much as I do. It brings such warm, spicy joy to the table. Cooking should be fun, not fussy. This recipe is here for your easy, happy dinners.

I would love to hear all about your cooking adventure. Tell me how it turned out for you. Your stories are my favorite thing to read with my morning tea.

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy cooking!

—Grace Hollander.

Cajun Shrimp in Creamy Garlic Pasta

Author: Grace Hollander Cooking Method:Stovetop Cuisine:Cajun American Courses:Dinner Main

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time: 25 minutesRest time: Total time: 40 minutesServings:6 servingsCalories:238 kcal Best Season:Summer

Description

Cajun shrimp and fire-roasted tomatoes simmered in a creamy garlic sauce with pasta for a flavorful one-pan meal.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped green pepper
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine (we use whole wheat or whole grain)
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 1/2 cups nonfat milk
• 2 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (we use McCormick; see note)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 pound uncooked, peeled and deveined shrimp, tails removed if desired (we use 21/25 size; see note)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel cheese)
• optional for garnish: chopped fresh parsley or extra parmesan

Instructions

1. Heat oil over medium heat in a large sauté pan. Add green pepper, onion, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and the onions are a little translucent but not too browned.
2. Add broth to deglaze the pan, loosening any browned bits. Then add pasta, undrained tomatoes, milk, Cajun seasoning, bay leaves, thyme, and salt. Stir to combine and separate the pasta a little. Cover the pan and increase heat to bring it to a boil (this usually takes 3-4 minutes on my stove).
3. Once it comes up to a boil, reduce the heat to about medium or medium-low, to maintain a lively simmer (not a full, hard, rolling boil). Continue cooking, covered but stirring occasionally and trying to keep the pasta mostly submerged, until the pasta is tender (which generally takes about 10-13 minutes, depending on your brand of pasta).
4. Stir in shrimp and continue cooking, covered, until the shrimp are done (about 3 minutes for the 21/25 size we use). Do not overcook.
5. Add parmesan cheese and cream cheese, stirring to melt the cream cheese and distribute the cheeses evenly.
6. Remove from heat, discard bay leaves, and serve immediately, garnished with parsley and extra parmesan, if desired.

Notes

Cajun seasoning can vary in heat. Adjust the amount to your preference. For the shrimp, 21/25 size means there are 21 to 25 shrimp per pound.

Keywords:Shrimp, Pasta, Cajun, Creamy, Garlic, One Pan