Cajun Shrimp Pasta brings the heat with a creamy kick!

 

Cajun Shrimp Pasta brings the heat with a creamy kick! 

Ingredients :

4 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store bought or homemade (see below))

Homemade Cajun Seasoning (Makes Approximately 4 tbsp)

3 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Pasta

1 lb penne pasta (or pasta of choice)

1 lb shrimp (fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined)

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoon cajun seasoning (divided)

3 tablespoon unsalted butter (or salted butter)

3 cloves garlic (minced)

14 ounce can diced tomatoes (or canned crushed tomatoes )

1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream

½ cup parmesan cheese (grated)

Garnish

Parmesan cheese (grated)

2 tablespoon parsley to garnish (chopped)

Instructions :

If using frozen shrimp, thaw them first by running cold water over them, or let thaw in fridge.

NOTE: While you are preparing the shrimp and the sauce, you can start cooking the pasta according to the package instructions to al dente and drain when finished. Be sure to add salt to the pasta water. Reserve 1 cup of the cooked pasta water in case you need to thicken the sauce.

Toss the shrimp with half of the Cajun seasoning. In a deep skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and sauté for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp is no longer translucent and turns pink. Remove the shrimp from the pan and cover to keep warm.

In the same pan make the sauce. Do not wipe the pan clean. Over medium heat, add the butter, minced garlic and remaining half of Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute, or until butter is completely melted and garlic is fragrant.

Add in the diced tomatoes and sauté for 1 – 2 minutes.

Reduce heat to low. Slowly pour in the cream, stirring well to combine. Add in the Parmesan cheese and let simmer until sauce thickens.

Return the shrimp to the pan and add in the cooked pasta. Stir until all the pasta is coated with the sauce.

Garnish with more Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve and enjoy!