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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta | Delicious & Easy

Creamy cajun shrimp pasta made with homemade cajun seasoning and fresh shrimp.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword Cajun, Pasta, Shrimp
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 803kcal
Cost $20

Ingredients

  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil 
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cups chicken broth 
  • 1 pound Mezzi Rigatoni
  • 1 14.5 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes, juices drained
  • 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (you can use prepackaged Cajun seasoning, if needed)
  • 1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 
  • 4 ounces cream cheese 
  • Pinch of salt to taste 

Instructions

STOVE TOP: 

  • In a large pan over medium heat, add olive oil onions.  Saute until onions are soft, about 3 minutes.
  • Add garlic. Continue to saute for an additional 2 minutes.
  • Toss shrimp in cajun seasoning until coated evenly.  Place shrimp into your pan and saute for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp is cooked and slightly pink in color.  
  • Once the cooked shrimp are slightly pink in color, remove from the pan with tongs and place aside in a large bowl.
  • Add heavy cream, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and stir so all ingredients in the pan are mixed together well.  Saute until thickened, about 10 minutes. NOTE: do not clean out the pot.  You will want all the Cajun goodness to cook into the sauce. 
  • Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, add to large bowl with shrimp and set aside.  
  • In a medium pot over medium heat, bring salted water to boil.
  • Add pasta shells and cook according to package instructions.  Drain when ready.  
  • Mix pasta shells, shrimp and sauce together until well combined.  Add any additional cajun seasoning or salt and pepper to taste. 
  • Top with additional Parmesan cheese.  Serve hot and enjoy!

INSTANT POT: 

  • Turn on your Instant Pot and select the Saute mode on high. 
  • Add olive oil, roasted red diced tomatoes and onions.  Saute until onions are soft, about 3 minutes.  
  • Add garlic. Continue to saute for an additional 2 minutes. 
  • Toss shrimp in cajun seasoning until coated evenly.  Place shrimp into the pot and saute for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp are slightly pink in color. 
  • Once shrimp are slightly pink in color, remove from the pot with tongs and place aside in a large bowl. 
  • Add heavy cream, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and stir so all ingredients in the Pot are mixed together well.  Saute until thickened, about 10 minutes. NOTE: do not clean out the pot.  You will want all the Cajun goodness to cook into the sauce.
  • Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, add to large bowl with shrimp and set aside. 
  • Select the ‘cancel’ function to reset the cooking function.  Select ‘Pressure Cook’ on high.
  • Add pasta shells and chicken broth.  Stir until mixed well.  Pressure cook on high for 3 minutes.  NOTE: we like our pasta very slighly al dente.  If you like yours more soft, you may want to cook for 4 minutes.  
  • Once the timer beeps, quick release all pressure.  Carefully remove the lid.
  • Add shrimp and sauce to the pasta and mix until all ingredients are well combined.  Taste and add any additional salt and pepper, as needed. 
  • Serve hot and enjoy! 

Nutrition

Calories: 803kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Cholesterol: 310mg | Sodium: 1622mg | Potassium: 510mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 3341IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 520mg | Iron: 4mg