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- 8 ounces linguine pasta - 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) For this dish, I always choose fresh ingredients. The linguine acts as a great base. It cooks up nice and tender. You can use any type of shrimp you find. Just make sure it is peeled and deveined. The Cajun seasoning gives it that bold flavor we love. I often mix my own blend for an extra kick. Next up, the olive oil brings everything together. It helps sauté the aromatics, which include onion, garlic, and bell pepper. These add great depth to your dish. The cherry tomatoes burst with flavor and add a nice pop of color. The heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. You can adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper. Lastly, don't skip the garnishes! Fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon brighten the whole dish. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once the water bubbles, add the linguine pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, as per the package directions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta well and set it aside. In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Make sure every shrimp is well-coated. This step adds a bold flavor that makes the dish exciting. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper. Cook these for another 2 minutes, stirring often. The aroma will fill your kitchen and start to excite your senses. Push the onion and bell pepper to one side of the skillet. Add the seasoned shrimp to the empty side. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when done. This means they are perfectly cooked and ready to mix. Now, it's time to mix everything together. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cooked linguine to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. If the mixture seems too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time. This helps achieve the right sauce consistency. Taste the dish now. Add salt and black pepper as needed. Let everything simmer for a minute. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. Remove the skillet from heat. Plate the pasta beautifully. Garnish it with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Minute Cajun Shrimp Pasta! To make great shrimp, keep a few tips in mind: - Avoiding overcooking shrimp: Shrimp cooks fast. When it turns pink and opaque, it’s done. Overcooking makes shrimp tough. Aim for 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch it closely! - Choosing the right shrimp size: Medium or large shrimp work best. They cook evenly and hold up well in the pasta. Look for shrimp labeled as "16/20" for perfect bites. You can adjust the flavors to match your taste: - Adjusting Cajun seasoning: If you like more spice, add extra Cajun seasoning. Start with a little more and taste before adding too much. - Adding other vegetables: Mix in veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. This adds nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the onions and peppers for a nice blend. Creamy sauce makes the dish rich and satisfying: - Tips for perfect sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thick, use reserved pasta water. Add a tablespoon at a time until you reach the right creaminess. - Alternative cream options: You can use half-and-half or coconut cream if you want lighter options. They give a nice flavor while keeping it creamy. {{image_2}} You can make this dish healthier with a few easy swaps. Try using whole grain or gluten-free pasta instead of regular linguine. This adds fiber and nutrients. You can also reduce the heavy cream. Swapping half of it for low-fat yogurt or a plant-based option can cut calories but keep it creamy. Meal prepping is a great way to save time. Double the recipe to make extra servings. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about three days. When you reheat, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Want to change things up? You can replace shrimp with chicken or sausage. For chicken, cut it into small pieces and cook longer. It will take about 5-7 minutes to cook through. If you use sausage, slice it and cook until browned. This will add a new layer of flavor to your dish. To keep Minute Cajun Shrimp Pasta fresh, use airtight containers. This helps seal in flavor and moisture. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature first. Once cooled, store it in the fridge. It lasts for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, try freezing it. You can freeze Minute Cajun Shrimp Pasta for future meals. Just place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as it will expand when frozen. It stays good for about three months. When you're ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge overnight. Once defrosted, reheat the pasta on low heat in a skillet. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir gently until heated through. Enjoy your meal! It takes about 20 minutes to make this dish. You will need 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. This quick time allows you to enjoy a tasty meal without a long wait. Perfect for busy days! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. To thaw, place shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Drain and pat dry before seasoning. Cooking frozen shrimp adds a few minutes to your cook time, so keep an eye on them as they cook. Cajun shrimp pasta pairs well with simple side dishes. Consider serving it with: - Garlic bread - A fresh green salad - Steamed vegetables - Roasted asparagus These sides enhance the meal and balance the flavors. Cajun shrimp pasta can be spicy, depending on the Cajun seasoning you use. If you prefer less heat, use a milder seasoning blend. You can also adjust the amount of seasoning to suit your taste. This dish is meant to be flavorful, not overwhelming. Yes, you can make it dairy-free. Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. These alternatives provide a creamy texture without dairy. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning, as these options can change the flavor slightly. This blog covered a tasty Cajun shrimp pasta recipe. We discussed key ingredients, steps for cooking, and tips for perfecting the dish. You can even customize flavors and make healthy swaps. Enjoy this meal with friends or for meal prep. Remember to store leftovers properly, so they taste great later. Now, you’re ready to dive into cooking!

Minute Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Spice up your dinner with this easy Minute Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe! This delicious dish combines tender shrimp, perfectly cooked linguine, and a creamy Cajun sauce, all ready in just 20 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is packed with flavor from fresh veggies and zesty spices. Want to impress your family or friends? Click through to explore the full recipe and make mealtime unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces linguine pasta

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup heavy cream

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.

      Sautéing Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

        Cook the Shrimp: Push the onion and pepper mixture to one side of the skillet. Add the seasoned shrimp to the empty side of the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

          Combine It All: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cooked linguine to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring everything together gently. If the mixture is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired sauce consistency.

            Season: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow everything to simmer for another minute for the flavors to meld.

              Serve: Remove from heat, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4