A bold, creamy shrimp pasta that looks like a volcano on the plate.
introduction
This dish is rich, spicy, and easy to make. It has seared shrimp and a creamy Cajun sauce on long pasta. It looks showy when you stack the pasta like a volcano. Try it when you want a fast, fun dinner. For another creamy pasta idea, see this simple creamy rotisserie chicken pasta.
why make this recipe
- Fast: you can cook it in about 20–30 minutes.
- Bold flavor: Cajun spice gives a nice kick.
- Crowd pleasing: it looks special on the plate.
- Use shrimp for a light, tasty protein. For another creamy pasta to compare, check this creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta recipe.
how to make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Volcano
Make pasta al dente first, then sear shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Lower the heat and make the cream sauce with garlic, butter, and Parmesan. Toss pasta and shrimp in the sauce and add a little pasta water to loosen it. Twirl the pasta high on the plate and place extra shrimp on top to form the “volcano.” For a one-pan idea you can look at a similar method in this one-pot creamy garlic pasta.
Ingredients :
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Directions :
- Boil the Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and save 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
- Sear the Shrimp: Toss shrimp in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a hot skillet with olive oil, sear shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
- Build That Bold Cream Sauce: Lower heat, melt butter, then sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in cream and stir for 2–3 minutes. Add Parmesan and chili flakes, stirring until thickened.
- Toss Pasta & Shrimp Together: Add cooked pasta and seared shrimp into the sauce. Splash in pasta water and mix.
- Plate with Flair: Twirl pasta into a high, volcano-style stack. Top with extra shrimp, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon.
how to serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Volcano
Serve hot on warm plates. Twirl the pasta up tall to make the volcano look good. Add extra parsley and a lemon wedge on the side. Serve with a green salad, garlic bread, or simple steamed vegetables.
how to store Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Volcano
- Fridge: Cool fully, put in an airtight container, and store up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended because cream can separate. If you must, freeze for up to 1 month and expect some texture change.
- Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of cream or pasta water to bring back the sauce.
tips to make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Volcano
- Do not overcook shrimp. They cook fast and turn rubbery when overdone.
- Save pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it stick to pasta.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
- Taste and adjust Cajun seasoning if you want more or less heat.
- For the volcano look, use tongs to twirl the pasta up high and place shrimp on top.
variation (if any)
- Use chicken or smoked sausage instead of shrimp.
- Add bell peppers or spinach for more veg.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce (sauce will be thinner).
- Make it mild by using less Cajun seasoning and skipping chili flakes.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw fully and pat dry before seasoning and searing.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: It has a medium spice level from Cajun seasoning and optional chili flakes. Reduce spice by using less Cajun mix.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can cook components ahead (pasta and shrimp) but mix and plate just before serving for best texture.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Spaghetti or linguine work well because they twirl nicely and hold the sauce.
Conclusion
If you like bold shrimp dishes with a showy look, try the volcano plating and enjoy the spicy cream sauce. For a fun take on volcano-style shrimp, see Volcano Shrimp – Pepper Bowl.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Volcano
Ingredients
Method
- Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and save 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
- Toss shrimp in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a hot skillet with olive oil, sear shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
- Lower heat, melt butter, then sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in cream and stir for 2–3 minutes, then add Parmesan and chili flakes, stirring until thickened.
- Add cooked pasta and seared shrimp into the sauce. Splash in pasta water to loosen and mix.
- Twirl pasta into a high, volcano-style stack on the plate. Top with extra shrimp, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon.