If you’re looking for a pasta dish that combines bold flavors with a touch of spice, this Healthy Cajun Creamy Shrimp Pasta recipe is a must-try. The best part is it is half the calories of a regular creamy pasta with full flavor! Made with juicy shrimp, a Cajun cream sauce, and al dente pasta, this dish has all the flavors of New Orleans in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, this delicious recipe is a huge hit with the whole family. And with simple ingredients that you can easily find at the grocery store, it’s a flavorful dinner option that’s both easy and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Versatile: Use your personal preference of pasta, like penne pasta or even whole wheat pasta, and feel free to add colorful veggies like red bell peppers.
Bold Cajun Spice: The Cajun seasoning blend, with a hint of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes, creates a spicy cream sauce that’s rich and flavorful.
Quick Cooking Time: From start to finish, this pasta dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Creamy and Comforting, But Lighter: Made with 2% milk and low-fat cream cheese, this dish has all the creamy goodness with about half the calories of traditional creamy pasta.
Serve it with: A nice Butter Lettuce Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette for a complete meal.
Healthy Cajun Creamy Shrimp Pasta Video
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Ingredients for Healthy Cajun Creamy Shrimp Pasta
Full ingredients, instructions, and photos in the recipe card at end of post
Shrimp:
- 1.5 lb fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning blend
- 1.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp light butter
Cajun Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup 2% milk
- ½ cup light cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Pasta:
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
16 oz cooked linguine or fettuccine (or penne pasta for a twist)
Instructions
Full ingredients, instructions, and photos in the recipe card at end of post
Cook the linguine: Cook the linguine until al dente and reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
Season and Marinate the Shrimp:
In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with minced garlic, oregano, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice. Toss until the shrimp are well-coated, then set aside for a couple of minutes to let the flavors develop.
Cook the Shrimp:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Sauté shrimp for 1 minute on each side until they are pink and tender. Be careful not to overcook; juicy shrimp is key for this pasta dish. Add the butter and remove the shrimp and set aside in an airtight container.
Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
In a blender, add milk, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Once blended, add to the same skillet you cooked the shrimp in on medium heat. Add the garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, oregano, and smoked paprika. Let the sauce simmer on medium heat for a couple of minutes until it thickens.
Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed. Toss the pasta in the sauce until coated, then add the cooked shrimp back into the pan. Stir everything together for a creamy, Cajun-inspired pasta that’s full of bold flavors.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta for a touch of color and a hint of freshness. Serve hot, and enjoy this Cajun creamy shrimp pasta recipe with family and friends!
Tips for the Perfect Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Cook the Pasta to Al Dente: Follow package instructions to cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until just al dente. This ensures the pasta holds up well in the sauce.
Adjust Spice Level: If you like spicy food, feel free to add extra Cajun spice or cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, reduce the Cajun seasoning.
Use High-Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds richness and depth to the creamy sauce.
Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftover pasta, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Make It a Full Cajun Meal: Serve this pasta with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.
Add Colorful Veggies: Bell peppers or spinach make a great addition to this dish, adding both color and extra nutrition.
Try Different Pastas: This Cajun cream sauce pairs well with penne pasta or even cooked fettuccine for a change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw it and pat it dry with a paper towel before cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
For a thicker sauce, reduce the pasta water or add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan cheese.
This creamy Cajun shrimp pasta recipe is perfect for anyone craving a bit of New Orleans flavor at home. With tender shrimp, a spicy Cajun cream sauce, and pasta cooked to perfection, this is a pasta dish that’s sure to be a huge hit. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress!
Cajun Creamy Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1.5 lb fresh or frozen shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning blend
- 1.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp light butter
Cajun Cream Sauce
- 1 cup 2% milk
- ½ cup light cream cheese softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Pasta
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- 16 oz cooked linguine or fettuccine or penne pasta for a twist
Instructions
Cook the linguine
- Cook the linguine until al dente and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Season and Marinate the Shrimp
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with minced garlic, oregano, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice. Toss until the shrimp are well-coated, then set aside for a couple of minutes to let the flavors develop.
Cook the Shrimp
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Sauté shrimp for 1 minute on each side until they are pink and tender. Add butter until melted. Be careful not to overcook; juicy shrimp is key for this pasta dish. Once cooked, remove the shrimp and set aside in an airtight container.
Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- In a blender, add milk, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Once blended add to the same skillet you cooked the shrimp in on medium heat. Add the garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, oregano, and smoked paprika. Let the sauce simmer on medium heat for a couple of minutes until it thickens.
Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed. Toss the pasta in the sauce until coated, then add the cooked shrimp back into the pan. Stir everything together for a creamy, Cajun-inspired pasta that’s full of bold flavors.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta for a touch of color and a hint of freshness. Serve hot, and enjoy this Cajun creamy shrimp pasta recipe with family and friends!
Love that this is a healthier version. I love creamy sauce but always feel guilty about it, but not with this one!