Here’s a delicious Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta with Cajun Spice recipe that combines the classic buttery garlic flavor of shrimp scampi with a Cajun kick!
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp Scampi:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional) or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- Salt for pasta water
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. Season and Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Cajun Scampi Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, then season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want extra heat.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
4. Combine Pasta and Shrimp:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the noodles.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Stir in the lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
5. Serve:
- Plate the creamy Cajun shrimp scampi pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve with a wedge of lemon for an extra citrus kick if desired.
Tips:
- You can adjust the level of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
- Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
Enjoy your Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta with Cajun Spice for a rich, flavorful dinner with a spicy twist!
