Creamy Cajun Shrimp Penne

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the South with this Spicy Creamy Cajun Shrimp Penne recipe. A fantastic option for both weeknight dinners and entertaining, this dish features perfectly cooked penne, succulent shrimp, and a rich, creamy Cajun sauce that's bursting with zest. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you'll be able to create a meal that tantalizes your taste buds and impresses your guests. Explore the key steps and tips to make this delightful dish shine at your table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

- In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 10-12 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce later.

Sauté the Shrimp:

- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika.

- Cook the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn bright pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Sauté the Vegetables:

- In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and both diced bell peppers. Sauté the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Make the Sauce:

- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth; stir the ingredients to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Combine Everything:

- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring well until the cheese melts and the shrimp are well-coated in the creamy sauce. Then, incorporate the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the Cajun sauce.

Serve:

- Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or Cajun seasoning as desired. Before serving, garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the dish in a large pasta bowl, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a few parsley leaves on top for a fresh touch. Pair it with garlic bread for a complete meal!