Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta One Pot

$To make this creamy Cajun shrimp pasta, gather these items: - 8 ounces fettuccine pasta - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When you pick Cajun seasoning, I suggest these brands: - Tony Chachere's Original - Zatarain's Cajun Seasoning - Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning These brands pack a punch and add great flavor. You can find them in most stores or online. You can switch out some ingredients if needed. Here are some ideas: - Fettuccine pasta: Use penne or linguine if you prefer. - Shrimp: Chicken or firm tofu work well for a different protein. - Heavy cream: Swap with half-and-half for a lighter dish. - Chicken broth: Vegetable broth is a good substitute for a vegetarian option. - Parmesan cheese: Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor in vegan dishes. Feel free to get creative with your choices! To start, you need to cook the fettuccine pasta. Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 ounces of fettuccine. Cook it according to the package directions until it's al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. It's important to keep it warm, so it stays soft and ready for the sauce. Next, let's cook the veggies. In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, toss in 1 medium diced onion and 1 cup of diced bell peppers. I like to use a mix of red, yellow, and green for color. Sauté these for about 4-5 minutes until they soften. Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook it for 1 minute until it smells great. This step builds a flavorful base for your dish. Now, it's shrimp time! Take 1 pound of large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over the shrimp. Mix it well so every piece is coated. Add the shrimp to the pot with the veggies. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for the shrimp to turn pink and curl up. This shows they are cooked through. After that, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. This adds a nice sweetness and color. Now you're ready to combine everything in the next steps! To cook shrimp just right, start with fresh, large shrimp. They should be pink and firm. When you add shrimp to the pot, cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them. Overcooking will make shrimp tough. If you want to check for doneness, they should curl into a “C” shape. This means they are cooked through and ready to enjoy. Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick. If you like it spicy, add more seasoning. You can sprinkle extra Cajun spice in the pot while cooking. If you prefer less heat, use less seasoning. You can also add a dash of cream to cool down the spice. Taste as you go, and adjust it to fit your family’s taste. One common mistake is cooking pasta too long. Always check for al dente on the package. Another mistake is adding too much liquid. If your sauce is too runny, it won’t coat the pasta well. Lastly, don’t forget to mix in the Parmesan cheese. It helps thicken the sauce and adds flavor. Keep these tips in mind for a tasty dish! {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for chicken or tofu. Chicken breast works well. Cut it into small pieces. Sauté the chicken until it’s cooked through. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm tofu. Drain it, press it, and cut it into cubes. Sauté the tofu until golden brown. Both options add a nice twist to the dish. Feel free to add more veggies to your pasta. Spinach, zucchini, or broccoli are great choices. Add spinach near the end of cooking to keep it fresh. For zucchini or broccoli, toss them in when you add the bell peppers. This makes the dish colorful and healthy. You don’t have to stick with fettuccine. Penne, spaghetti, or linguine work too. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also fit well. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type you choose. This keeps the dish exciting and open to personal taste. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to keep it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you are ready to eat, reheating is easy. Use a skillet over low heat for the best results. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. Stir often until it warms up. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the dish and heat in short bursts. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then follow the reheating best practices to enjoy your meal again! Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti work well. Each type offers a different bite. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta. Follow the package instructions for best results. No, this dish is not gluten-free as it uses fettuccine. However, you can use gluten-free pasta. There are many options available. Rice or corn-based pasta makes a great swap. Just cook it according to package directions to ensure it tastes great. To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the shrimp. You can add more vegetables instead. Consider using mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added flavor. You can also use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. This keeps the dish rich and creamy. This blog post covered all you need to make a great Cajun shrimp pasta. We discussed ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You can switch proteins or adjust spices for your taste. Remember the common mistakes, and you'll cook shrimp perfectly. Store leftovers safely and enjoy them later. Everyone can enjoy this meal, even with dietary changes. Dive in and create your own version. Cooking is fun, and this dish is a delicious way to start!$

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta One Pot

Indulge in a bowl of delicious Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta that will tantalize your taste buds! This easy recipe features succulent shrimp, colorful veggies, and a rich creamy sauce, all tossed with fettuccine for a satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for any occasion! Click through for the full recipe and elevate your dinner game tonight. #CajunShrimpPasta #PastaRecipes #DinnerInspo #QuickMeals

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Ingredients

8 ounces fettuccine pasta

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers, sautéing until softened, about 4-5 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the shrimp and add them to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pot and cook for another 2 minutes.

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Mix in the cooked fettuccine and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, allowing the pasta to soak up the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

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