Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake

Introduction

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that brings the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine right to your kitchen. With tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and perfectly baked pasta, this recipe offers a satisfying meal that everyone will love. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a must-try for anyone who enjoys a hearty and flavorful meal. The combination of shrimp and Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick to the creamy sauce, making it a great option for those who like a little spice in their food. Plus, it’s all made in one dish, which means less cleanup for you. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that will impress your family and friends.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or thin pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (drained) or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (more to taste)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth (or seafood stock)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

1. Cook pasta: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook shrimp: In a large skillet, heat butter and 1 tbsp oil. Season shrimp lightly with Cajun seasoning and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté vegetables: Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté onion, garlic, and peppers until softened. Stir in diced tomatoes.
4. Make sauce: Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, and pepper. Stir in chicken broth and cream. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Combine: Toss in cooked pasta, shrimp, and half the mozzarella. Mix well so everything is coated in sauce.
6. Bake: Transfer to a greased aluminum pan or casserole dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Finish: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling with golden spots.
8. Serve: Garnish with parsley. Serve hot!

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake

Serve this creamy shrimp pasta bake hot from the oven. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. You can also sprinkle extra Cajun seasoning on top for those who enjoy a bit more heat.

How to Store Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake

To store leftovers, let the pasta bake cool completely. Then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake

• For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your taste.
• Add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

Variation

You can switch out shrimp for cooked chicken, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The flavors will still be fantastic, and you’ll have a new twist on this classic dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

   • Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw and peel them before cooking.

2. Is this dish spicy?

   • It has a mild spice from the Cajun seasoning. You can adjust the seasoning to make it more or less spicy according to your taste.

3. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

   • Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Just assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate until you are ready to bake.

Enjoy making and sharing this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake with family and friends for a truly satisfying meal!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake

---

• Author: hamidkom
• Total Time: 45
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Seafood

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A delicious and comforting dish featuring tender shrimp in a creamy Cajun sauce, baked with pasta and cheese.

---

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or thin pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (drained) or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (more to taste)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth (or seafood stock)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat butter and 1 tbsp oil. Season shrimp lightly with Cajun seasoning and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
3. Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté onion, garlic, and peppers until softened. Stir in diced tomatoes.
4. Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, and pepper. Stir in chicken broth and cream. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Toss in cooked pasta, shrimp, and half the mozzarella. Mix well so everything is coated in sauce.
6. Transfer to a greased aluminum pan or casserole dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling with golden spots.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve hot!

Notes

Serve hot and enjoy with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 30
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Cajun