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Creamy Cajun shrimp pasta with seared shrimp, red bell pepper, and herbs in a white bowl

20-Minute Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Golden Cajun shrimp, tender pasta, bell pepper, and garlic are tossed in a silky Parmesan cream sauce for a fast, restaurant-style seafood dinner.
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Total Time 20 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 225 g (½ lb) large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp tomato paste
  • 1 bell pepper finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 250 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Chili flakes to taste
  • Dried basil or oregano optional
  • 225 g (8 oz) pasta

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a little pasta water, then drain.
  2. Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  3. Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add olive oil as needed, then sauté the finely chopped bell pepper for 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream. Season with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Add the cooked pasta, seared shrimp, and Parmesan cheese. Toss until everything is coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. Add dried basil or oregano if using. Loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
  7. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

Chef’s Tip: Keep the cream at a gentle simmer when adding the Parmesan. This helps the sauce stay smooth and velvety, and returning the shrimp only at the end prevents overcooking.