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Creamy Cajun shrimp pasta with parsley

Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Cajun spiced shrimp tossed with linguine in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with onion, broth and lemon. Ready in about 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 656
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cajun Seasoning
  • 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 3/4 tsp dried oregano
  • 3/4 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper or more for heat
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
Shrimp and Sauce
  • 1 lb extra large shrimp peeled, deveined, patted dry
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter divided
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 tsp garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
Pasta
  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Method
 

  1. Mix the Cajun seasoning ingredients and set aside a third for the sauce.
  2. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
  3. Toss the shrimp with the rest of the seasoning. Sear in olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium high heat for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove.
  4. Add the remaining butter and cook the onion 3 to 4 minutes, then the garlic 30 seconds. Stir in the flour and reserved seasoning for 1 minute.
  5. Whisk in the broth and cream and simmer 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan and lemon juice.
  6. Add the pasta and shrimp and toss, loosening with pasta water. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

Cook shrimp to 145°F. Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of milk.