Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Pappardelle Recipe

I absolutely love this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Pappardelle Recipe because it hits all those cozy, comforting notes with just the right kick of spice. When I first tried making Cajun shrimp at home, I struggled to get that rich, creamy sauce just right without it being too heavy or greasy—and this recipe nails it every single time. You’ll find that the pappardelle pasta is the perfect canvas for the bold flavors, soaking up the sauce beautifully and making each bite a real treat.

This dish works amazingly well for a weeknight dinner when you want something a little special but still quick to pull together. Plus, it’s a great way to impress friends or family without stress because the steps are straightforward and really forgiving if you keep an eye on the sauce. If you’re searching for a Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Pappardelle Recipe that feels fancy but cooks in under 30 minutes, I promise you’ll want to keep this one in your favorites.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a key role in making this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Pappardelle Recipe truly shine. Using fresh shrimp and a good quality heavy cream really elevates the flavor and texture, while the Cajun seasoning adds that signature smoky heat you’ll crave.

• Wild-caught jumbo shrimp: Fresh, large shrimp are best for that juicy bite and quick cooking—devein them for the best texture.
• Cajun seasoning: Whether you use homemade or store-bought, this is the star spice blend that adds depth and heat.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the shrimp and the sauce without extra saltiness.
• Pappardelle pasta: Wide, ribbon-shaped pasta like pappardelle holds onto creamy sauces so well—feel free to substitute with fettuccine or tagliatelle.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a light base for sautéeing aromatics without overpowering the Cajun flavors.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic really wakes up the sauce with an aromatic punch.
• Bell pepper: A crunchy, sweet balance to the spicy Cajun seasoning.
• Organic all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the sauce, giving it that luscious creaminess.
• Organic heavy cream: Essential for that silky, decadent sauce.
• Chicken, veggie, or seafood stock: Adds savory depth—chicken stock is my go-to, but seafood stock works beautifully to boost shrimp flavor.
• White cooking wine: Brightens the sauce and adds subtle complexity.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, creamy finish that ties everything together.
• Optional toppings: Chopped green onions and candied bacon—both add texture and an extra flavor kick.

Variations

I like to mix it up sometimes depending on what I have on hand or my mood, and this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Pappardelle Recipe is super flexible. Don’t hesitate to customize it to your taste—you’ll find even small tweaks can make a big difference.

• Add Greens: I often throw in spinach or broccolini for extra color and nutrition; they wilt perfectly into the creamy sauce.
• Swap the Protein: Tried chicken and even smoked sausage as alternatives when shrimp wasn’t available—both worked surprisingly well.
• Make it Vegan: Use plant-based shrimp alternatives, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and vegan parmesan for a dreamy dairy-free version.
• Adjust the Heat: If you love spice, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne; if you prefer milder, cut it back and let the flavors gently shine.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Pappardelle Recipe

Step 1: Sauté and Season Your Shrimp

Start by melting the butter in a medium 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, add your shrimp that have been lightly tossed in Cajun seasoning. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, flipping once to get both sides nicely pink and opaque—this means they’re perfectly cooked. Don’t overcook here; shrimp turn rubbery fast, so keep an eye on them! Once done, set the shrimp aside on a plate to rest while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Cook Your Pappardelle Pasta

While the shrimp cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pappardelle pasta according to package directions—typically 8-10 minutes. The key here is to get it al dente, so it holds up nicely against the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain and set aside, but don’t rinse; that starch helps the sauce cling better.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cajun Sauce

In the same skillet used for the shrimp, add olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, add the chopped bell pepper and cook until translucent—about 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and flour, stirring to combine evenly; you’ll notice this base start to thicken slightly, which is a great sign. Turn the heat down to medium-low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stock, and white wine, stirring as you go. Let the sauce gently bubble for a minute or two, then whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and silky—your sauce should thicken beautifully and coat the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add your cooked pappardelle to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles thoroughly with the sauce. If you want, toss the shrimp in as well, but I sometimes prefer to plate the pasta first and arrange the shrimp on top to show off their beautiful color. Serve immediately with your favorite garnishes, and get ready for some serious compliments!

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Pappardelle Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a fresh bite and that pop of green color. For an extra treat, a handful of crisp candied bacon adds a smoky-sweet contrast that my family goes crazy for. If you’re feeling fancy, a little fresh parsley or basil brightens things up even more.

Side Dishes

To complement the richness of this pasta, I like serving it with a simple mixed green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or some roasted asparagus. Garlic bread is also a classic pairing—perfect for mopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls with a swirl of extra cream or a dollop of mascarpone on top. Another fun idea is to nestle the shrimp prominently on one side with a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra color. It’s always a crowd-pleaser to plate with vibrant garnishes and a wedge of lemon on the side for an added zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they stay surprisingly good for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to give the whole thing a gentle stir when reheating, so the sauce doesn’t separate and everything heats evenly.

Freezing

Freezing creamy sauces can be tricky, but I have found that freezing the pasta and shrimp separately from the sauce helps a lot. When you’re ready to eat, thaw everything overnight in the fridge and gently reheat together with a splash of cream or stock to bring back the luscious texture.

Reheating

I prefer reheating on the stovetop over low heat with a little added liquid (either heavy cream or stock) to keep the sauce silky smooth. Microwave works in a pinch, but stir every 30 seconds to avoid hot spots and dryness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Pappardelle Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want to treat myself or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of spicy shrimp, rich sauce, and wide pasta ribbons is such a crowd-pleaser, and I love how easy it is to make impressive without fuss. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be on your weekly rotation too—you won’t regret giving it a go!

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