If you’re craving a flavorful and quick-to-make seafood dish, Blackened Shrimp Pasta is the perfect choice. This dish combines juicy, Cajun-spiced shrimp with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce over a bed of tender fettuccine. It’s a well-balanced dish that brings a taste of Louisiana to your dinner table, with a satisfying kick from Cajun seasoning. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will leave your taste buds dancing and your guests impressed. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a quick yet delicious meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the pasta
Begin by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to the instructions on the package. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and once boiling, add the fettuccine. Cook until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water and set the pasta aside. It’s essential to cook the pasta first so that it’s ready to be tossed in the rich, creamy sauce as soon as it’s done.
Step 2: Season the shrimp
While the pasta is cooking, focus on seasoning the shrimp. Take your peeled and deveined shrimp and place them in a bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ensuring that each shrimp is evenly coated. Next, sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the shrimp and toss them well, ensuring every piece is seasoned. The Cajun seasoning brings the necessary spice and flavor, providing that signature “blackened” taste when cooked.
Step 3: Cook the shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are blackened and fully cooked. You want the shrimp to have a slightly charred, crispy exterior but remain juicy on the inside. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 4: Make the creamy sauce
In the same skillet that you cooked the shrimp, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Afterward, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir continuously. Once the cream starts to simmer, add the grated Parmesan cheese slowly, stirring until it fully melts and integrates into the sauce. The sauce will begin to thicken after a few minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed, adjusting to your preference.
Step 5: Combine pasta with the sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce to ensure it’s fully coated. The pasta should soak up the rich flavors from the Parmesan and garlic cream sauce. Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to absorb even more flavor.
Step 6: Add the shrimp
After the pasta is well coated with the sauce, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, allowing the shrimp to heat through once again. The combination of blackened shrimp and creamy pasta creates a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
To finish, garnish the Blackened Shrimp Pasta with freshly chopped parsley. The parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the rich, creamy sauce and spicy shrimp. Serve the dish immediately while it’s still warm, and enjoy!
COOKING Note:
- Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your personal preference. If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce the amount. If you’re a fan of spicy food, consider adding an extra teaspoon of Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- You can also experiment with different types of pasta. While fettuccine works beautifully for this dish, you can swap it with linguine, spaghetti, or even penne if you prefer a shorter pasta.
Serving Suggestions:
This Blackened Shrimp Pasta is a complete meal on its own but pairs beautifully with some simple sides to round out the meal. Consider serving it with:
- A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sauce.
- Garlic bread or a simple toasted baguette to soak up any leftover creamy sauce.
- Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, to add some extra texture and nutritional balance.
Tips:
- Fresh shrimp: Always opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to fully thaw them before cooking.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so be sure to remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
- Cream consistency: If the cream sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a splash of pasta water or chicken broth.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 720mg
FAQS:
1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp, but the flavor and texture may differ. If using pre-cooked shrimp, simply toss them in the Cajun seasoning and add them to the pasta when combining everything at the end. Heat the shrimp briefly to avoid overcooking.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut milk or almond milk, though it may alter the flavor. Additionally, use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Conclusion:
Blackened Shrimp Pasta is the perfect combination of bold, spicy shrimp and a creamy, comforting sauce. It’s an impressive dish that looks and tastes like something you’d find in a restaurant, yet it’s simple enough to make at home in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or for guests, this pasta is sure to be a hit. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a rich, flavorful meal that’s satisfying and delicious. Try it today and enjoy the blend of spices and creamy goodness in every bite!
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Blackened Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the pasta
Begin by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to the instructions on the package. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and once boiling, add the fettuccine. Cook until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water and set the pasta aside. It’s essential to cook the pasta first so that it’s ready to be tossed in the rich, creamy sauce as soon as it’s done.
Step 2: Season the shrimp
While the pasta is cooking, focus on seasoning the shrimp. Take your peeled and deveined shrimp and place them in a bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ensuring that each shrimp is evenly coated. Next, sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the shrimp and toss them well, ensuring every piece is seasoned. The Cajun seasoning brings the necessary spice and flavor, providing that signature “blackened” taste when cooked.
Step 3: Cook the shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are blackened and fully cooked. You want the shrimp to have a slightly charred, crispy exterior but remain juicy on the inside. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 4: Make the creamy sauce
In the same skillet that you cooked the shrimp, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Afterward, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir continuously. Once the cream starts to simmer, add the grated Parmesan cheese slowly, stirring until it fully melts and integrates into the sauce. The sauce will begin to thicken after a few minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed, adjusting to your preference.
Step 5: Combine pasta with the sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce to ensure it’s fully coated. The pasta should soak up the rich flavors from the Parmesan and garlic cream sauce. Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to absorb even more flavor.
Step 6: Add the shrimp
After the pasta is well coated with the sauce, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, allowing the shrimp to heat through once again. The combination of blackened shrimp and creamy pasta creates a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
To finish, garnish the Blackened Shrimp Pasta with freshly chopped parsley. The parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the rich, creamy sauce and spicy shrimp. Serve the dish immediately while it’s still warm, and enjoy!
Notes
COOKING Note:
- Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your personal preference. If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce the amount. If you’re a fan of spicy food, consider adding an extra teaspoon of Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- You can also experiment with different types of pasta. While fettuccine works beautifully for this dish, you can swap it with linguine, spaghetti, or even penne if you prefer a shorter pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sodium: 720mg
- Protein: 35g