Print

Flavorful Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce

Cajun shrimp pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy pasta dish featuring Cajun-seasoned shrimp tossed in a creamy tomato basil sauce, perfect for weeknights or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces fettuccine, linguine, or preferred pasta
  • Salt for pasta water
  • Optional garnishes: grated Parmesan cheese, extra fresh basil leaves, red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook about 2 minutes per side until pink and curled. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  5. Pour in crushed tomatoes. Stir in sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and chopped basil. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce turns creamy pink. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Add drained pasta and cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  8. Plate the pasta and garnish with extra basil, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Simmer sauce gently after adding cream to prevent curdling. Cook shrimp just before pasta is done to serve hot and fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, creamy tomato basil sauce, quick pasta recipe, easy dinner, seafood pasta, spicy shrimp pasta

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/flavorful-cajun-shrimp-pasta-recipe-with-creamy-tomato-basil-sauce-easy-and-best-guide/