why make this recipe
This dish gives you spicy, creamy sauce and tender prawns in one pan. It cooks fast and feels like a treat. If you like shrimp in a rich sauce, you might also enjoy a similar dish like creamy cajun shrimp with mushrooms and bacon for another idea.
introduction
This Creamy Cajun Prawn Pasta Recipe mixes bold Cajun spice with a smooth cream sauce. The prawns cook quickly and the sauce clings to the pasta. You can make it on a weeknight or for guests. It uses simple steps and common ingredients.
how to make Creamy Cajun Prawn Pasta Recipe
Follow the steps below in order. Work on the pasta and prawns at the same time to save time. For extra sauce tips, look at the creamy garlic shrimp pasta method for ideas about sauce texture.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb (450g) large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 12 oz (340g) linguine or fettuccine
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Dairy-free option: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and omit Parmesan
- Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta
- Lower fat: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream (sauce will be lighter)
- No wine: Chicken or vegetable broth works perfectly
Directions :
- Prepare the Pasta Base
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining – this starchy liquid is gold for adjusting sauce consistency later. - Season and Prep the Prawns
While the pasta cooks, toss the prawns with Cajun seasoning in a bowl until evenly coated. The spices should cling to each prawn beautifully. Let them sit for a few minutes to absorb those bold flavors. - Sear the Prawns to Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the seasoned prawns in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a lovely caramelized crust. The edges should look slightly charred – that’s where the flavor lives. Remove prawns and set aside. - Build the Aromatic Base
In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the pepper starts to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant – your kitchen should smell incredible right about now. - Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the white wine (it should sizzle enthusiastically) and let it reduce by half, about 2 minutes. This concentrates the flavor beautifully. Lower the heat to medium and slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking gently to prevent curdling. Add butter and let it melt into the sauce. - Bring Everything Together
Return the cooked prawns to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together using tongs, adding pasta water gradually until the sauce coats each strand perfectly. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
how to serve Creamy Cajun Prawn Pasta Recipe
Serve hot on warm plates. Add extra chopped green onions or parsley on top. A wedge of lemon on the side helps bright the dish. Pair with a green salad or crusty bread.
how to store Creamy Cajun Prawn Pasta Recipe
Cool the pasta to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat with a splash of cream or pasta water to bring back the sauce. Do not freeze after adding cream — the texture may change.
tips to make Creamy Cajun Prawn Pasta Recipe
- Do not overcook prawns. They cook fast and get rubbery if overdone.
- Save pasta water to thin the sauce without losing flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright finish.
- For dairy-free, swap heavy cream with coconut cream and skip Parmesan. See a different creamy idea like creamy celery potato mushroom soup with pasta for other dairy-free pairings.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
variation (if any)
- Add smoked sausage or bacon for more depth.
- Swap prawns for cooked chicken if you prefer.
- Make it spicier with extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne.
- Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use shrimp instead of prawns?
A: Yes. Shrimp and prawns cook the same and work well here.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can cook the sauce and prawns a few hours ahead and heat gently before serving. Keep pasta separate and mix just before serving for best texture.
Q: What if I do not have wine?
A: Use chicken or vegetable broth instead. It still gives good flavor.
Q: Can I freeze this pasta?
A: I do not recommend freezing after adding cream. The sauce can separate. You can freeze plain cooked prawns or cooked pasta separately, but quality drops.
Conclusion
For a clear step-by-step version and extra photos, you can also follow the full recipe on Creamy Cajun Prawn (Shrimp) Pasta at Simple Home Edit.
Creamy Cajun Prawn Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Toss the prawns with Cajun seasoning in a bowl until evenly coated. Let them sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned prawns in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in the white wine and let it reduce by half, about 2 minutes. Then lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and butter.
- Return the cooked prawns to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice.