Name: Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 - 6 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed, patted dry; 2 tsp. store-bought or homemade Cajun seasoning; 6 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided; Kosher salt; 1 small yellow onion, coarsely chopped; 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, coarsely chopped; 4 garlic cloves; 12 oz. linguine; 1 c. heavy cream; 3 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1 1/2 cups), plus more for serving; 1/2 c. finely chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 c. thinly sliced chives

Step 1In a large bowl, toss shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and 2 Tbsp. oil; lightly season with salt.

Step 2In a large, deep, 12" skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 Tbsp. oil. Working in batches, cook shrimp, making sure shrimp is touching skillet, until browned and cooked through, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a plate. Wipe out skillet.

Step 3In a food processor, pulse onion, bell pepper, and garlic, scraping down sides if needed, until very smooth and a puree forms, about 1 minute.

Step 4In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 5Meanwhile, in same skillet over medium heat, heat remaining 2 Tbsp. oil. Cook onion mixture, stirring frequently and adding a splash of water if browning too quickly, until most of the liquid is evaporated and mixture becomes drier and thicker, 7 to 10 minutes.

Step 6Add cream to onion mixture, scraping any bits stuck to bottom of pan. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Whisk Parmesan into sauce until thick and homogenous. Add shrimp, pasta, parsley, chives, and 3/4 cup pasta water, stirring and adding more pasta water if needed, until sauce is smooth and glossy. Top with more Parmesan.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients

Directions

Wildly Delicious Weeknight Dinners