Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering Cajun classic that will transport you straight to the heart of Louisiana! This irresistible Mama Karen Parker's Cajun Shrimp Pasta is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that combines succulent shrimp, creamy sauce, and bold Cajun spices that will make your dinner guests beg for seconds. Whether you're a spice lover or just looking to shake up your weeknight dinner routine, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality taste right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean workspace. Ensure that the shrimp are peeled and deveined, and the vegetables are diced and ready to go.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water, then add the linguine pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant.
- Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to combine, allowing the spices to toast slightly for about 1 minute.
- Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
- Once the pasta is done cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained linguine directly to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce.
- Gently toss the pasta with the shrimp and sauce, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Serve the Cajun shrimp pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or green onions if you like. Enjoy your delicious Mama Karen Parker's Cajun Shrimp Pasta!
Tips
- Shrimp Success: Always buy fresh shrimp and make sure to pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear perfectly and don't become watery.
- Seasoning Secret: Toast your Cajun seasoning briefly in the pan to release its full aromatic potential and deepen the flavor profile.
- Pasta Perfection: Cook your linguine just until al dente—it will continue to absorb sauce when mixed, preventing mushy pasta.
- Cream Sauce Trick: Add heavy cream slowly and simmer gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, luxurious sauce.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if you want an extra kick!
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish is best served immediately, but you can prep ingredients in advance to speed up cooking time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 246kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 143mg
