What pasta shape goes best with shrimp?

For Seafood Sauces Thin, long cuts with a smooth texture best mimic the light and silky texture of seafood sauces and so we recommend long cuts like Linguine, Capellini (sometimes referred to as “angel hair”) and Thin Spaghetti .

Should I peel shrimp before cooking in pasta?

Not that I expect you to eat them, but when left on for the cooking process, shrimp shells contribute a depth of flavor that's somewhere between toasty and briny . Cooking unpeeled shrimp is the thing that will really make that shrimp flavor pop, and to reap the benefits, the only thing you need to do is… nothing.

Why do people leave the tails on shrimp in pasta?

Flay says the tails help the seafood keep its form while cooking, preventing them from turning into a flimsy mess on your plate . Likewise, it also helps make for a better splash when it comes to presenting your dish.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe (2024)

June 25, 2015 by Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) · Updated November 6, 2023

Jump to Recipe

Cajun flavors go perfectly with shrimp and sausage in this creamy decadent Cajun Shrimp Pasta perfect for entertaining or weeknight dinners.

Flavor is everything. It is the essence of why we love certain meals and keep coming back for more. For me, spices and heat are part of the addictive flavors I can’t turn away from. That’s why this cajun shrimp pasta recipe has kept calling for me time and time again. I couldn’t stop eating it.

Table of Contents

The Heart and Soul of this amazing Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Cuisine Inspiration: Cajun Primary

Cooking Method: Sautéing & Simmering

Dietary Info: Pescatarian-friendly, Gluten-Free option with the right pasta

Key Flavor: Spicy, Smoky, and Rich

Key Ingredients

Olive Oil & Butter: The dynamic duo that starts it all off, giving your dish that rich, flavorful base.
Jumbo Shrimp: These are the crown jewels of the dish, ready to soak up all that spicy goodness.
Andouille Sausages: Bringing in that authentic Cajun kick with a smoky, meaty punch.
Onion, Green and Red Peppers: This trinity is the Mardi Gras parade of flavors that’s essential to any Cajun feast.
White Wine: Just a splash adds a bright acidity that lifts up the flavors.
Heavy Cream: Here to smooth things over and bring a luxurious richness to the sauce.
Worcestershire & Hot Sauce: The splash of sass, adding depth with a little spicy tang.
Cajun Seasoning: This isn’t just seasoning, it’s the life of the party, the essence of the bayou in a sprinkle.
Linguini: Twirl it, fork it, love it – these noodles are ready to catch all that saucy goodness.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Add olive oil and butter to a large pot over medium high heat until melted together.
Next add shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Add in sliced sausage and cook until completely cooked through and then remove from pot and put on a separate plate.
Add onion and sliced peppers and cook until tender and a bit browned.
Next add in garlic and cook for 30 seconds then toss around then add in tomatoes.
Pour in chicken broth, wine, heavy cream, worcestershire and hot sauce and whisk together.
Turn heat down to medium and allow sauce to thicken some.
Add back in shrimp and sausage.
Season with cajun seasoning to taste.
Toss in cooked linguini completely coating pasta.
Garnish with parsley and serve.

How to Serve

Southern Green Beans: Add a pop of color, these perfectly seasoned beans are such a great compliment.
Garlic Bread: No pasta night is complete without it! Get that bread nice and toasty to mop up all the saucy goodness. Garlic cheese stuffed rolls are super fun too!
Corn Pudding: This traditional Southern dish brings sweet corn to the table, creating a sweet and savory harmony with your spicy pasta.
Southern Cornbread: If you’re diving deep into Southern comforts, a slice of moist cornbread on the side isn’t just a treat; it’s almost a must!

How to Store

To store Cajun shrimp pasta, let it cool completely, then transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce, as it may thicken in the fridge.

Favorite Cajun and Creole Recipes to Try

Cajun Shrimp Linguine
Cajun Jambalaya Pasta
Easy Jambalaya
Dirty Rice
Jambalaya Soup
Creole Pot Pie