Description
This Lightened Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta offers a delightful balance of spicy Cajun flavors with a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s lighter than traditional versions. Perfectly cooked shrimp and spinach add freshness and protein, making it a satisfying yet approachable meal ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 (16 oz) box spaghetti
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail off
- ¼ cup Cajun seasoning, divided
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (8 oz) bag baby spinach
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm for later.
- Season Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with half of the Cajun seasoning, along with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic to the same pot and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and milk to combine.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of the milk and flour until smooth to create a slurry. Gradually add this mixture back into the pot, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining Cajun seasoning, adjusting to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently over medium heat until fully thickened, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat once ready.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp and spaghetti to the pot with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are well coated. Stir in the baby spinach and allow it to wilt in the residual heat.
- Serve: Garnish the pasta with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy this creamy, flavorful Cajun shrimp pasta.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk instead of whole milk.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning depending on your preferred spice level.
- You can substitute spaghetti with linguine or fettuccine for a different texture.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook it a little longer or add a touch more flour slurry.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright contrast but you can also use cilantro or chives as an alternative garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
