Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Bell Peppers
Bold, buttery, and irresistibly spicy a Southern-inspired comfort meal in just 30 minutes!
Dive into the rich and spicy world of Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, a flavor-packed dish featuring juicy shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a velvety Cajun cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy date night dinner, this pasta brings Southern heat and creamy comfort to your table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Pasta:
12 oz penne (or preferred pasta)
Salt for boiling water
For the Shrimp:
1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Veggies:
½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
½ yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
½ green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 tbsp butter or olive oil
For the Cajun Cream Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1¼ cups heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan
1–1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
(Optional) red chili flakes for extra heat
Directions:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water.
Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook shrimp for about 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Add butter or oil to the same skillet. Cook sliced bell peppers until tender (around 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Melt butter, add minced garlic, and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then whisk in Parmesan until the sauce thickens.
Add cooked pasta to the sauce, followed by shrimp and sautéed peppers. Mix well, adding reserved pasta water if needed for extra creaminess.
Garnish with chopped parsley, a sprinkle of Cajun spice, and serve warm with crusty garlic bread.
Quick Facts:
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Calories: ~680 kcal per serving
Servings: 4
Benefits:
High-Protein Meal: Shrimp adds a lean source of protein for muscle support.
Rich in Vitamins: Bell peppers bring a burst of color and antioxidants.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile: Easily adjust the spice level or swap proteins for chicken or tofu.
Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Creamy, spicy, and perfectly balanced for at-home indulgence.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Bell Peppers a 30-minute Southern comfort dish loaded with juicy shrimp, colorful veggies, and a rich Cajun-spiced cream sauce. Perfect for weeknights or romantic dinners.
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