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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 Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The pasta is the base, taking up the Cajun flavors. I use 12 ounces of fettuccine or linguine, which gives a great texture. For protein, 1 pound of large shrimp works best. The Cajun seasoning, at 2 tablespoons, adds that spicy kick. One tablespoon of olive oil helps sauté the veggies right. I finely chop one medium onion and use three cloves of minced garlic for a strong flavor. The red bell pepper adds sweetness and color, while one cup of cherry tomatoes brings freshness. Two cups of chicken broth create a rich base. The heavy cream, at one cup, makes it creamy. A cup of grated Parmesan cheese adds richness and depth. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Fresh ingredients shine in this dish. I prefer fresh shrimp, as they taste better than frozen. Fresh vegetables like the onion, garlic, and bell pepper offer more flavor than dried ones. Cherry tomatoes are best fresh, too, for that juicy bite. You can use dried herbs, but fresh parsley for garnish makes a big difference. The vibrant color and taste elevate the meal. For this recipe, stick with fresh ingredients whenever possible. Start by gathering your ingredients. You need: - 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 Chop the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Halve the cherry tomatoes. This makes cooking faster. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Next, add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Then, sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and stir well. Add the shrimp to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside. In the same pot, pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the pasta and cook according to the package. This usually takes around 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. Once the pasta is al dente, add the halved cherry tomatoes and heavy cream. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Return the cooked shrimp to the pot. Add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything until creamy and well mixed. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This helps the sauce thicken before serving. Serve this dish in shallow bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Enjoy your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta! To get the best flavor in your One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, use fresh ingredients. Fresh shrimp makes a big difference. Choose large shrimp that are firm and pink. When it comes to the Cajun seasoning, don’t be shy! Use two tablespoons for a bold taste. Sauté the onion and garlic until they are soft. This builds a strong base for your sauce. Also, let the cherry tomatoes simmer to burst their juices. This adds sweetness to the dish. Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. A few common mistakes can spoil your dish. First, don’t overcook the shrimp. They should be pink and opaque but not rubbery. Second, avoid skipping the resting time after cooking. Letting the dish rest helps the sauce thicken. Lastly, be careful with salt. The Cajun seasoning and Parmesan cheese add saltiness. Taste your dish before adding more salt. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh for up to three days in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This will help bring back the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the pasta from drying out. {{image_4}} If you want to change the protein, try chicken or sausage. Both add great flavor. You can use about 1 pound of diced chicken breast or sausage. Cook them until they're browned and fully cooked. Then, follow the same steps for the creamy sauce. For a vegetarian twist, swap the shrimp for mushrooms or zucchini. Use about 2 cups of sliced mushrooms or diced zucchini. Sauté these in the olive oil until tender. This change keeps the dish creamy and delicious without meat. While fettuccine or linguine works best, you can use other pasta types. Try penne or rigatoni for a fun shape. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are great options too. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type you choose. To balance the rich flavors of the One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, a light salad works best. I suggest a simple green salad. Use fresh mixed greens and cherry tomatoes. Toss them with a light vinaigrette. Lemon juice and olive oil make a great dressing. Another great choice is a cucumber salad. Slice cucumbers and red onions. Add a splash of vinegar and a pinch of salt. This adds a refreshing crunch that pairs nicely with the creamy pasta. Bread is a perfect side for this dish. A crusty baguette or garlic bread adds warmth. You can easily make garlic bread by spreading butter and minced garlic on slices of bread. Bake them until golden brown. If you want something quick, store-bought dinner rolls work too. They soak up the creamy sauce well. Serve them warm for the best experience. Pairing drinks with your meal can enhance the flavors. A chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works well. It has bright acidity that cuts through the creaminess. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with a slice of lemon. This adds a nice zest and cleanses your palate. For a cozy touch, serve a light iced tea. Sweeten it lightly to complement the spices in the pasta. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce as usual. Let it cool before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free choice. Silken tofu blended with a bit of broth can also work. Each substitute changes the flavor and texture, but they all make a rich sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three days. Reheat in a pan over low heat. Add a little liquid to keep it creamy. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the pasta. This recipe has a nice kick from the Cajun seasoning. If you like spice, it’s perfect. For less heat, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning. You can also add more cream to tone down the spice if needed. Each bite can be adjusted to your taste! This blog post shared how to make one-pot creamy Cajun shrimp pasta. You learned about ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and useful tips. I shared ways to tweak the dish and match side items. In conclusion, this dish is easy, tasty, and fun to make. You can impress anyone with it. Experiment with the tips and variations to find your favorite. Happy cooking!

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in the rich flavors of this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, a quick and delicious dish perfect for any occasion! With tender shrimp, fettuccine, and a zesty Cajun kick, this recipe is guaranteed to impress at the dinner table. In just 30 minutes, you can create a satisfying meal that's creamy and full of vibrant ingredients. Click through to explore this easy recipe and elevate your weeknight dinners tonight!
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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 over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent.

    Incorporate the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper into the pan, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and the peppers begin to soften.

      Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, stirring well to combine. Then, add the shrimp to the pot. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Once cooked, gently remove the shrimp from the pot and set them aside on a plate.

        In the same pot, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

          When the pasta is cooked al dente, add the halved cherry tomatoes and heavy cream to the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.

            Return the cooked shrimp to the pot along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until it is well combined and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

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

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy pasta in shallow bowls, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for color. For an added touch of richness, drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top just before serving.