Creamy Cajun Shrimp Penne

Dive into the world of Cajun comfort with this creamy shrimp penne recipe! Perfectly cooked penne pasta meets succulent shrimp in a rich, velvety cream sauce infused with vibrant Cajun spices. This dish combines tradition with a modern twist, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or cozy nights in. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it's sure to become a favorite at your table. Gather your ingredients and experience the joy of Cajun cooking!

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Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Penne: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add Tomatoes and Liquids: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they start to soften. Then, pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Make it Creamy: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing well. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Combine: Add the cooked penne to the skillet along with the cooked shrimp. Toss to combine, adding Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings