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Cajun Shrimp Pasta

SeafoodDinnerStove-Top

Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

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About

Weeknight dinners shouldn't be stressful; they should be easy... one could even call them Big Easy. Cajun Shrimp Pasta helps take the strain out of whipping up a fantastic meal by being ready in 15 minutes or less! And what a meal it is! The shrimp is sweet and wonderfully accented by the spicy Cajun flavoring, the pasta is creamy and tender, and parmesan cheese always signals a good time! Cajun Shrimp Pasta encourages you to kick back and relax, and you will, from the moment you sit down to the moment your plate is clean.

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Ingredients

  • 8 ounces of penne pasta
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, deveined, cleaned, and tails removed
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated

Directions

Step 1 -Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

Step 2 -Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to the package directions.

Step 3 -Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta.

Step 4 -Combine the shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and olive oil in a bowl.

Step 5 -Heat the large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 6 -Add the butter and allow it to melt.

Step 7 -Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook until golden brown on each side and cooked through at 145 degrees F, about 3-4 minutes per side. Cook in batches to avoid crowding.

Step 8 -Transfer the shrimp to a clean plate.

Step 9 -Reduce the heat to medium-low.

Step 10 -Add the heavy cream to the pan.

Step 11 -Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to incorporate any brown bits.

Step 12 -Allow the cream to bubble and reduce the heat to low.

Step 13 -Stir in the parmesan to melt.

Step 14 -Add the cooked pasta and the shrimp, stirring to coat.

Step 15 -Add the reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time to thin out the sauce, if necessary.

Step 16 -Serve.

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