Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the heart of Louisiana! This Cajun Shrimp and Linguine recipe is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that combines succulent shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and bold Cajun spices in a dish that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add linguine to boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced bell peppers and onions, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
- Push vegetables to one side of the skillet and add seasoned shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Drain cooked linguine and add directly to the skillet with shrimp and vegetables. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, ensuring an even distribution of shrimp and vegetables.
Tips
- Pat your shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect sear and prevent steaming.
- Use fresh Cajun seasoning for maximum flavor impact - check the expiration date of your spice blend.
- Don't overcook the shrimp! They should be pink and just opaque, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side.
- Reserve pasta water before draining - its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce when tossed with the shrimp and vegetables.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables.
- If you like extra heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes when seasoning the shrimp.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect texture of the pasta and the juiciness of the shrimp.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 220mg
