My cajun shrimp pasta is full of flavor and spice without being too spicy. It's a filling weeknight dinner that's surprisingly simple to make. Recipe includes a how-to video!
½cup(50g)freshly grated parmesan cheeseplus additional for serving
Instructions
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and keep warm until ready to use (if your pasta is done early, toss with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking). As pasta cooks, prepare shrimp.
8 oz pasta
In a small dish, whisk together paprika, oregano, thyme, basil, garlic and onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper and salt. Measure out one teaspoon of spice and set aside for the sauce later.
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika, ¾ teaspoons dried oregano, ¾ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon table salt
Place shrimp in a large plastic bag and toss with remaining cajun seasoning until completely coated.
1 lb extra large shrimp
Pour olive oil in a large skillet and turn heat to medium-hi. Once hot, sear the shrimp in batches and transfer to a plate once cooked through.
2 Tablespoon olive oil
Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
2 Tablespoons butter, 1 medium yellow onion
Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
2 teaspoons minced garlic
Sprinkle flour and remaining 1 teaspoon of cajun spice over the onion/garlic and cook, stirring, until all flour is absorbed.
1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
While stirring, slowly drizzle in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze any browned bits on the bottom. Cook until the broth has been reduced about 50%.
⅔ cup chicken broth
Add tomatoes and stir.
14.5 oz can fire roasted tomatoes
Drizzle in heavy cream until combined.
¾ cups heavy cream
Add the cooked, drained pasta and parmesan cheese and toss until pasta is coated and cheese is melted. Return shrimp to the dish, cook until warmed through, and serve, topped with additional parmesan cheese if desired.