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- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish To start, we need some simple but key ingredients to make this dish shine. First, I love using 12 oz of fettuccine or linguine pasta. It holds the creamy sauce well and gives a nice bite. Next, choose 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. They add flavor and protein, making the dish hearty. For spice, we use 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. It gives the dish that kick that makes it special. I like to use 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing. It helps cook down our veggies and adds richness. Now for the vegetables. You need 1 medium onion, finely chopped. This will bring sweetness and depth to our pasta. Add in 3 cloves of minced garlic for fragrance and flavor. We also need 1 diced red bell pepper, which adds color and sweetness, and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes for a juicy burst. For the creamy sauce, we rely on 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. These create a rich, comforting base. Don’t forget 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a salty, nutty flavor. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, and top with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Each ingredient plays a role, creating a balanced, tasty dish that you’ll love. First, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add one medium onion, finely chopped. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until soft. Next, stir in three cloves of minced garlic and one diced red bell pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until everything smells great. Now, sprinkle in two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Add one pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the pot and set them aside. In the same pot, pour in two cups of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add 12 ounces of fettuccine or linguine pasta. Stir occasionally to stop it from sticking. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually about 10 minutes, until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in one cup of halved cherry tomatoes and one cup of heavy cream. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Finally, add the cooked shrimp and one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until creamy and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it sit off the heat for a couple of minutes before serving. To cook shrimp perfectly, aim for a pink color. When they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Avoid cooking them for too long. This can make them tough and chewy. To prevent overcooking pasta, stir it often. Use the package instructions for timing. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it has a slight bite. To adjust the spice level, add more or less Cajun seasoning. You can also mix in fresh chili if you like more heat. Remember, you can always add more spice, but it's hard to take it away. For best seasoning, taste as you cook. Add salt and pepper gradually. This way, you can find the right balance for your dish. For plating, use shallow bowls to show off the pasta. Top with extra Parmesan cheese for a rich look. Chopped fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color. Consider drizzling a bit of olive oil over the top. This adds shine and makes the dish more inviting. {{image_2}} You can change the pasta type. Fettuccine works great, but linguine is also tasty. If you want a fun twist, try penne or even whole wheat pasta. Each type gives a unique texture to the dish. For heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk. These alternatives still give a creamy feel. If you're looking for a lighter option, low-fat milk works too. Just know that it may not be as rich. Want more heat? Add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This simple change can make your dish pop with flavor. You can also try smoked paprika for a different smoky taste. Adding veggies is another great idea. Spinach or zucchini blends well with the other ingredients. Toss them in when you add the cherry tomatoes. They will cook down nicely and add nutrients. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. There are many options like brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta. They cook similarly, so you won't miss the gluten. If you want a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for almond milk or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. These swaps keep the dish creamy and delicious! To store your One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty for later. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This helps bring back the creaminess and adds flavor. Heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Yes, you can freeze One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta! First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, reheat it on low heat. Stir it often to keep it smooth and creamy. In the fridge, your pasta will last about three days. After that, its taste and quality may decline. Watch for signs of spoilage. If it smells off or shows mold, throw it away. Fresh shrimp has a sweet smell, and the pasta should not be slimy. Always trust your senses to ensure your food is safe to eat. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them first. Place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. This way, they will cook evenly, and you won’t end up with rubbery shrimp. You can pair this dish with a fresh green salad. A simple side of garlic bread works well, too. For drinks, consider serving iced tea or a light white wine. These options balance the creamy flavors of the pasta. To kick up the heat, add more Cajun seasoning. You can also include crushed red pepper flakes to the mix. Slicing fresh jalapeños or adding a dash of hot sauce gives it a nice kick, too. Tailor the spice to your taste. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and shrimp, then store them separately. When ready to serve, reheat and combine them with the sauce. This keeps your pasta from becoming mushy. Enjoy it fresh! This blog post covered how to make One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta. We discussed the key ingredients like shrimp, pasta, and seasonings. I shared step-by-step instructions and tips to ensure perfect cooking. You learned variations and storage ideas to keep your meal tasty later. In the end, this dish is both easy and delicious. With just a few tweaks, you can make it your own. Enjoy crafting this flavorful meal!

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in the flavors of the South with this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta! This easy recipe combines tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce that's bursting with Cajun spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it's ready in just 30 minutes. Click through to discover how to create this delicious, hassle-free meal that will impress your family and friends! Enjoy a taste of Cajun comfort at home.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

    Stir in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

      Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and add the shrimp to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside.

        In the same pot, add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

          Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cherry tomatoes and heavy cream. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.

            Add the cooked shrimp and grated Parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir until well combined and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken further.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil for extra richness, if desired.