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- 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (choose red or yellow for sweetness) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned) - ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste In this dish, I prefer using linguine. It holds the sauce well. Fettuccine is also great if you like a wider pasta. The shrimp adds that special touch, and Cajun seasoning brings a kick. The onion, garlic, and bell pepper create a solid base. Heavy cream makes it rich and creamy, while chicken broth adds depth. Diced tomatoes give color and a fresh taste. Finally, Parmesan cheese ties it all together with a salty finish. - Fresh parsley for garnish - Lemon wedges for serving Garnishing with parsley makes the dish look fresh. It also adds a nice flavor. Lemon wedges on the side give a zesty touch. A squeeze of lemon brightens up the creamy sauce. These simple additions elevate your meal, making it both tasty and beautiful. To season the shrimp, start with a medium bowl. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over the shrimp. Toss well, so every shrimp gets coated. This ensures each bite packs a punch. Let the shrimp marinate for about 10 minutes. This time helps the flavors sink in, making your dish even better. In a large pot, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it's hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to soften and smell great. Then, mix in three minced garlic cloves. Cooking the garlic for just one minute is key. It brings out its strong flavor, which adds depth to your sauce. Next, pour in one cup of chicken broth, one cup of diced tomatoes, and one cup of heavy cream. Stir all these together in the pot. Now, add 8 ounces of linguine or fettuccine pasta. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir often to keep the pasta from sticking. Cook this for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, with a nice sauce that thickens to your liking. When the pasta is almost ready, gently fold in the marinated shrimp. Cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally for even cooking. The shrimp turns pink when it's done. This means it’s cooked perfectly and ready to enjoy! Remove the pot from heat. Stir in ½ cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese. This makes the sauce creamy and rich. Taste your sauce and add salt and pepper as needed. If it feels too thick, just add a splash of water or extra chicken broth. This will help you reach the right consistency. Ladle the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta into serving bowls. For a nice touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds color and flavor. Serve the pasta in shallow bowls. Consider adding a lemon wedge on the side. Guests can squeeze some lemon juice on top for a fresh finish. Enjoy your meal with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner! To get the right sauce, aim for a creamy texture. Start with heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the Parmesan cheese at the end for smoothness. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Adjust the spice levels by adding more Cajun seasoning. Taste the sauce as you go. If you like it spicy, feel free to add more. If you want it milder, cut back on the seasoning. Use a large pot or deep skillet for one-pot dishes. This helps everything cook evenly. A non-stick surface can also prevent sticking. To save time, prepare your ingredients ahead of cooking. Chop the vegetables and season the shrimp before you start. This way, you can focus on cooking without delays. If you want alternatives for heavy cream, try coconut milk or cashew cream. Both options add creaminess without dairy. For Parmesan, nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese can work well. These swaps are great for those with dietary restrictions. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Adjust the recipe to fit your diet while keeping the flavor intact. {{image_4}} You can change the pasta type in this dish. Try penne or rotini instead of linguine or fettuccine. Each type offers a unique twist. You can also add vegetables. Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini fit well in this creamy dish. They add nutrition and flavor. Toss them in when you sauté the onions and bell peppers for a tasty upgrade. If you're not in the mood for shrimp, don't worry! You can use chicken or sausage instead. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces. Cook them until they are golden before adding the pasta. For a vegetarian option, consider using chickpeas or tofu. They soak up the sauce well and keep the meal hearty. You can boost the flavor with more spices or herbs. Try adding smoked paprika or oregano for a new taste. For those who enjoy heat, add fresh chilies or hot sauce. This gives your pasta a spicy kick. Adjust to your liking for the perfect balance of flavors! To keep your One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. This dish stays good in the fridge for about three days. After that, the shrimp and pasta may lose their taste and texture. If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely before packing. Place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. This way, it can last up to three months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it creamy. For storage, use glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These types help prevent any chemical leaching. Make sure to seal the containers tightly to avoid spoilage. Label each container with the date. This way, you can track how long the pasta has been stored. To make this dish, follow these simple steps: 1. Season the shrimp with Cajun spice and set aside. 2. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté diced onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes. 3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. 4. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and heavy cream. Stir well. 5. Add linguine or fettuccine. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes. 6. Fold in the shrimp. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until shrimp is pink. 7. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning. Serve with parsley on top. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or almond milk. Both add a nice creaminess. You can also use cashew cream for a rich, smooth texture. For a lighter choice, try half-and-half or whole milk. Just know these may change the dish's overall flavor. Yes, you can prepare some parts ahead. Season the shrimp and chop the veggies in advance. Cook everything right before serving for the best taste. If you store leftovers, they may lose some creaminess. Watch for color change. Raw shrimp is gray, while cooked shrimp turns pink. It should also curl slightly. If you have a meat thermometer, shrimp should reach 120°F. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become tough. Absolutely! To lower the heat, use less Cajun seasoning. You can also add more cream to tone it down. For more spice, add extra seasoning or hot sauce. Tweak it to match your taste! This blog post outlined how to create a tasty one-pot creamy Cajun shrimp pasta. We covered ingredients, preparation, cooking steps, and tips for perfecting the dish. Remember to adjust spice levels to your taste and try different proteins or vegetables. With the right techniques, this dish can impress anyone. You now have everything you need for a successful meal. Enjoy exploring variations as you make this recipe your own!

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Savor the rich and bold flavors of One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta that’s quick and easy to prepare! This delicious recipe combines perfectly cooked shrimp, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta, all in one pot for effortless cleanup. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish is sure to delight! Click through now to explore the full recipe and make your mealtime unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced (choose red or yellow for sweetness)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)

½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with the Cajun seasoning. Toss well to ensure all shrimp are evenly coated. Set the seasoned shrimp aside to marinate briefly.

    Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Incorporate the minced garlic, and cook for an additional 1 minute until it releases its aroma.

      Cook the Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and heavy cream to the pot. Stir to combine, then add the linguine or fettuccine pasta. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta does not stick to the bottom of the pot. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened to your liking.

        Add the Shrimp: Once the pasta is nearly cooked, gently fold in the seasoned shrimp. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and is fully cooked, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

          Finish the Sauce: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce appears too thick, stir in a splash of water or additional chicken broth until the desired consistency is reached.

            Serve: Ladle the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta into serving bowls. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for color and flavor.

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

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls, topped with extra chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. For a fresh finishing touch, place a lemon wedge on the side, allowing guests to brighten the dish with a squeeze of lemon juice.