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- 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning The main ingredients for this dish are simple yet full of flavor. The fettuccine or linguine pasta serves as a perfect base. I prefer these shapes as they hold onto the sauce well. The large shrimp adds a sweet and juicy element, making each bite satisfying. Cajun seasoning gives a nice kick to the dish. It has spices that bring out the best in seafood. - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 yellow onion, diced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Aromatics and vegetables boost the flavor of the pasta. Olive oil helps cook the onion and bell pepper. The yellow onion adds sweetness as it cooks. Garlic gives a fragrant touch. Diced red bell pepper adds crunch and color. Cherry tomatoes burst with juice when cooked, adding freshness to the dish. - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste The liquid components keep the pasta creamy and rich. Chicken or vegetable broth adds depth and warmth. Heavy cream makes the dish velvety. Grated Parmesan cheese brings a salty kick. Salt and pepper are key to tuning the overall flavor. I always taste as I go, adjusting these to my liking. 1. First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add 1 yellow onion, diced, and 1 red bell pepper, diced. 3. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until they are soft. 4. Next, stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic. Cook this for 1 minute until it smells good. 5. Now, add 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined, to the pot. 6. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over the shrimp. 7. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink. 1. Pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. 2. Add in 12 ounces of fettuccine or linguine pasta and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. 3. Bring the mixture to a boil. 4. Once boiling, reduce the heat. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. 5. Stir occasionally. This ensures the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs the broth. 1. Lower the heat again. 2. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. 3. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes. This makes it creamy and warm. 4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the Cajun seasoning if you want more heat. 5. Serve right away. Garnish with sliced green onions for extra color. - Best practices for seasoning: Start with a mix of salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. This brings out the shrimp's natural taste. Taste as you cook. Adjust seasoning if needed. You can add more Cajun spice if you like heat. - Techniques for achieving creaminess: Use heavy cream for a rich texture. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese right at the end. This makes your dish smooth and creamy. Let it simmer briefly for the best result. - Prepping ingredients in advance: Chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic ahead of time. This saves you from rushing during cooking. You can also devein the shrimp in advance. - Using shortcuts without compromising flavor: Use pre-cooked shrimp if you're short on time. This makes the dish quicker to prepare. Just add them in the last few minutes so they warm up without overcooking. - Ideal side dishes to pair with the pasta: A simple green salad goes great with this pasta. You can also serve garlic bread for a tasty side. Both add freshness and crunch. - Garnishing tips for presentation: Top the pasta with sliced green onions. This adds color and a mild bite. You can also sprinkle a bit more Parmesan cheese on top. This looks nice and adds flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta if you want. Try penne or rotini instead of fettuccine or linguine. These shapes hold sauce well and add a fun twist. For protein, shrimp is great, but chicken or sausage works too. Just cook them until fully done. You can even use tofu for a plant-based option. If you want a milder dish, use less Cajun seasoning. Start with one tablespoon and add more to taste. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also try different seasoning blends. A bit of smoked paprika or chili powder can change the flavor nicely. If you're gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer good options that taste great. For a dairy-free meal, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a nut-based cream. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without dairy. These swaps keep your dish tasty and healthy. Store leftover One Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. It lasts up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to cool it down before sealing. This helps prevent extra moisture. Reheat the pasta in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream for moisture. Stir often to keep it creamy. You can also use a microwave, covering it with a damp paper towel. This helps to avoid drying out. Yes, you can freeze this dish! To freeze, let it cool completely first. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It stays good for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of cream to restore creaminess. The total cooking time for this dish is about 30 minutes. You will spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients. Cooking the pasta and shrimp takes an additional 20 minutes. This quick meal is perfect for busy nights! Yes, you can prep this meal ahead. Cook the pasta and shrimp, then store them in the fridge. To keep it fresh, add the cream and cheese when you are ready to serve. This will keep the dish creamy and tasty. To avoid overcooking shrimp, cook them until they just turn pink. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. They cook fast, so watch them closely. If they curl up tightly, they may be overdone. If you lack Cajun seasoning, you can easily make your own. Mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper. This blend will give you a nice kick. You can also use chili powder or taco seasoning as a substitute. In this blog post, we explored making One Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta. We covered key ingredients like shrimp, pasta, and spices. You learned how to prepare the base, cook pasta, and finish the dish with cream and cheese. I also shared tips for flavor, time-saving techniques, and serving ideas. Overall, this dish is simple and fun to make. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try variations, I hope you enjoy it. Cooking should bring joy and satisfaction. Happy cooking!

One Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in a burst of flavor with this One Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta! In just 30 minutes, you can create a delicious meal featuring succulent shrimp, vibrant veggies, and a rich, creamy sauce all in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines simplicity and taste effortlessly. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Click to discover the full recipe and bring this mouthwatering dish to your dinner table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

      Add the shrimp to the pot and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp start to turn pink.

        Pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth, then add the pasta and cherry tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

          Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Allow to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until creamy and heated through.

            Season with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust Cajun seasoning if desired.

              Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions.

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