Creamy cajun shrimp pasta 🍤🌶️🍝
ingredients:
for the shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
for the pasta & sauce:
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional, for heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
instructions:
1. cook the pasta: boil water with a pinch of salt and cook pasta according to package instructions. drain and set aside.
2. season & cook shrimp: toss shrimp with cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. remove from skillet and set aside.
3. prepare the sauce: in the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. add heavy cream, broth, parmesan, cajun seasoning, paprika, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. stir well and let simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. combine pasta & shrimp: add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. return shrimp to the skillet and stir in lemon juice. cook for another 2 minutes.
5. serve & enjoy: garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan. serve hot! 🍽️🔥