Description
A quick and flavorful weeknight meal featuring succulent shrimp in a spicy cream sauce over pasta.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions, reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant for about 30–45 seconds.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, scraping browned bits. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently until sauce thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
- Return shrimp to skillet, add cooked pasta and Parmesan, and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired thickness.
- If using bell peppers, add and cook until just tender for about 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Start the pasta water before doing much else. Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce or vegetable broth for a pescatarian-friendly option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern