Description
This Cajun Shrimp Pasta features a delightful blend of spices and creamy sauce, making it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying meal that captures the essence of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 pound uncooked penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound large fresh shrimp with tails on, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon cajun spice mix
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- finely chopped fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Set a large pot of salted water on the stovetop to boil.
- In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper to create the Cajun spice mix.
- Cook pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Season shrimp with Cajun spice mix and cook in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter.
- Sauté diced onion until softened, then add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
- Slowly pour in the dry white wine and scrape the skillet to deglaze.
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stir, and bring to a simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat with the sauce, then stir in parmesan until melted.
- Add cooked shrimp back to the skillet and gently mix together.
- Garnish with fresh basil and parsley, then serve hot.
Notes
For a spicier kick, adjust the cayenne pepper to taste.
Make sure to use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 150mg