Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min.
Yield 4 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
This restaurant-style Cajun shrimp pasta comes together in 30 minutes and leaves lots of room for fun variations.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
  • 1/4 cup butter, divided
  • 1 pound uncooked shrimp (26-30 per pound), peeled and deveined
  • 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 medium tomato, seeded and finely chopped
  • Chopped fresh parsley, optional

Directions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add shrimp; sprinkle with 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning. Cook and stir until shrimp turn pink, 3-5 minutes. Remove shrimp and keep warm.
  2. In same skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute. Whisk in cream. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered until slightly thickened, 4-6 minutes.
  3. Stir in Parmesan cheese, tomato and remaining 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning. Stir in shrimp. Drain pasta; add to skillet and toss to coat. If desired, sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/2 cups: 754 calories, 49g fat (30g saturated fat), 279mg cholesterol, 832mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.

I ate at a Chili's restaurant and had this amazing dish that I knew I just had to try to recreate. The results are an al dente pasta with a creamy, cheesy sauce and tender shrimp with mild cajun seasoning that lingers on your palate but doesn't overpower the dish. Serve it with garlic bread and salad for a great meal! —Brooklyn Trammell, New Haven, Kentucky
Recipe Creator

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