Lola Jay Yum!

menu icon
go to homepage
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • ALL RECIPES
  • SUBSCRIBE

subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • ALL RECIPES
  • SUBSCRIBE

×
Home » Recipes » 30 Minute Meals

Healthy Cajun Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Updated: May 9, 2025 Published: Nov 15, 2024 by Lola Jay This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

↓ Jump to Recipe
↓ Jump to Video

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.

If you want another pasta and shrimp idea, then you should give my Shrimp and Chorizo Creamy Pasta Recipe!

Cajun Creamy Shrimp Pasta

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. Want something different with shrimp? How about some quick and easy Shrimp Fried Rice Din Tai Fung style?


Healthy Cajun Creamy Shrimp Pasta Video

If  you enjoyed this video for Healthy Cajun Creamy Shrimp Pasta , please subscribe to my Youtube Channel. Click the BELL icon so you can be the first to know when I post a new video.


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 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning blend
  • 1.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon light butter

Cajun Cream Sauce:

  • 1 cup 2% milk
  • ½ cup light cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon 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!


Cajun Creamy Shrimp Pasta

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!


⭐️ Recipe

Creamy shrimp pasta with fresh parsley and red peppers in a white bowl, accompanied by sliced baguette in the background.

Cajun Creamy Shrimp Pasta

If you’re looking for a pasta dish that combines bold flavors with a touch of spice, this creamy Cajun shrimp pasta recipe is a must-try. Made with succulent 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.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: creamy pasta
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 263kcal
Author: Lola Jay

Ingredients

Shrimp

  • 1.5 lb fresh or frozen shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning blend
  • 1.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon light butter

Cajun Cream Sauce

  • 1 cup 2% milk
  • ½ cup light cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon 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
US Customary - Metric
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Cook the linguine

  • Cook the linguine until al dente and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
    Woman cooking pasta in a cozy kitchen with wooden cabinets and bright flowers on the counter.

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.
    Person marinating shrimp with spices in a glass dish, wearing gloves, on a wooden kitchen counter.

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.
    Sizzling shrimp with butter in a pan, perfect for a flavorful seafood dish.

Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

  • In a blender, add milk, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
    Person holding open blender cup with white smoothie inside in a kitchen setting.
  • Add blended mixture to the same skillet you cooked the shrimp in on medium heat. Add the garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, oregano, and smoked paprika.
    Adding spices to creamy sauce with wooden spoon in pan for a delicious recipe. Perfect for rich flavor enhancement.
  • Let the sauce simmer on medium heat for a couple of minutes until it thickens.
    Wooden spoon with creamy spiced sauce dripping into a pot, perfect for cooking a flavorful dish.

Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce

  • Add the cooked shrimp to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
    Cooked shrimp being poured into a creamy sauce in a skillet for a flavorful seafood dish.
  • Toss the pasta in the sauce until coated. Stir everything together for a creamy, Cajun-inspired pasta that’s full of bold flavors.
    Cooking shrimp pasta with creamy sauce in a kitchen; spaghetti being added to sauce.

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!
    Creamy shrimp pasta garnished with fresh parsley on a black plate, set on a wooden table.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 263kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Cholesterol: 247mg | Sodium: 913mg | Potassium: 564mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 916IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 288mg | Iron: 1mg

More 30 Minute Meals

  • Grilled salmon with herbs and citrus slices on a plate, garnished with rosemary, perfect for a healthy meal.
    Mediterranean Orange Salmon with Citrus-Olive Gremolata
  • Skillet of shakshuka with poached eggs, tomatoes, feta cheese, and herbs. Savory Mediterranean breakfast dish.
    Shakshuka
  • Healthy chicken couscous bowl with cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, spinach, and feta cheese.
    Za’atar Chicken Couscous Bowl (Ladolemono Dressing)
  • mediterranean hummus bowl with boiled eggs, olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and sprouts on a white plate.
    Mediterranean Hummus Bowl

Comments

  1. John says

    November 15, 2024 at 5:51 pm

    5 stars
    Love that this is a healthier version. I love creamy sauce but always feel guilty about it, but not with this one!

    Reply
5 from 1 vote

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Smiling woman holding a delicious sandwich with fresh ingredients.

Hi, I'm Lola

Just your not so average girl next door who loves all things food. I was born in Paris, France to a tribe of women who love to cook and bake! I bring you quick and easy recipes from all over the world, but my heart (and taste buds) belong to Mediterranean cuisine. As a mom and stepmom to four kids, quick and delicious is my goal!

More about me

Popular

  • healthy orange chicken topped with sesame seeds and green onions, served with rice and sauce.
    Healthy Orange Chicken
  • Loaded potato nachos with guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and cilantro in a white bowl. Perfect party snack.
    Loaded Taco Potato Bowl
  • Delicious taco salad in a crispy tortilla bowl with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese, served on a white plate.
    Taco Salad with Ground Beef
  • Baked fish fillets with olives, cherry tomatoes, and herbs in a white dish, garnished with green and black olives.
    One-Pan Mediterranean Cod

Mediterranean

  • Fresh salad with tuna, arugula, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, yellow peppers, and fennel in a white bowl.
    Tuna and Rice Salad Bowl
  • Chicken romesco pasta in a beige plate.
    Crispy Chicken Romesco with Pasta
  • Grilled fish topped with tomato sauce, garnished with peppers and herbs on a white plate.
    Branzino al Forno (Baked Sea Bass)
  • Creamy Veggie Pasta with cherry tomatoes, spinach, feta cheese, olives, and lemon on a white plate; Mediterranean dish.
    Creamy Veggie Pasta

New Recipes

  • Stack of banana oatmeal pancakes with syrup, raspberries, and blueberries on a plate.
    Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
  • Creamy hummus topped with fresh diced tomatoes and cilantro in a rustic bowl.
    Ful Mudammas
  • Hand holding a slice of flatbread pizza with tomatoes, peppers, greens, and creamy sauce.
    Shawarma Pizza
  • Creamy prawn and chorizo pasta.
    Creamy Prawn and Chorizo Pasta

Footer

↑ back to top

  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • About
  • Subscribe to our newsletter

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Lola Jay Yum

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.