Description
A delightful dish combining creamy sauce with bold Cajun flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until al dente, drain it, and save 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
- Toss the shrimp in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear the shrimp in a hot skillet with olive oil for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
- Lower the heat, melt the butter, and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir for 2–3 minutes. Add the Parmesan and chili flakes, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked pasta and seared shrimp into the sauce. Splash in some reserved pasta water and mix everything well.
- Twirl the pasta into a high, volcano-style stack on each plate. Top with extra shrimp, sprinkle with parsley, and squeeze lemon juice over the top.
Notes
Don’t overcook the shrimp; aim for just pink and tender. Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level. Fresh lemon juice enhances the flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun