why make this recipe
This dish is creamy, spicy, and easy to cook. It mixes shrimp, pasta, and a rich sauce. It works for weeknights and for guests. You can swap ingredients and still get good flavor. For another creamy dinner idea try this creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta recipe.
introduction
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake is a warm, cheesy meal. The shrimp get a quick sear, then finish baked on top of saucy pasta. The dish makes good leftovers and tastes better the next day. If you like one-pot meals, you might enjoy this one-pot creamy garlic pasta as well.
how to make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake
Follow the steps below to get a creamy, spicy pasta bake. Cook the shrimp first so they stay juicy. Make the sauce in the same pan to keep flavor. Mix half the shrimp into the pasta and save some for the top so it looks nice before baking. You can also use store-bought cooked chicken if you want a different protein — try this rotisserie chicken pasta for a change.
Ingredients :
1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
8 oz spaghetti or linguine, cooked al dente
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt & black pepper to taste
1 cup fresh spinach (optional, chopped)
Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions :
- In a hot skillet with olive oil, cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and juicy. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and paprika.
- In the same pan, melt butter. Add garlic and red bell pepper, cooking until fragrant. Stir in diced tomatoes and heavy cream. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Add mozzarella, Parmesan, and spinach (if using). Stir until creamy and well combined. Toss in cooked pasta and half the shrimp.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish, top with remaining shrimp and a bit more cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Cajun seasoning. Serve hot.
how to serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake
Serve hot straight from the oven. Add extra parsley for color. Offer lemon wedges for a bright touch. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables go well with the rich pasta.
how to store Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake
Cool to room temperature before storing. Put in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or heat gently in a skillet. Freeze only if the shrimp are very fresh; use within 1 month and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake
- Do not overcook shrimp. They cook fast and get rubbery if left too long.
- Drain the diced tomatoes well to avoid a thin sauce.
- Use al dente pasta because it will cook more in the oven.
- Taste and adjust Cajun seasoning and salt before baking.
- For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked shrimp but add them at the end so they do not dry out.
variation (if any)
- Make it with chicken: swap shrimp for cooked chicken pieces.
- Add veggies: mushrooms, zucchini, or peas work well.
- Make it spicier: add more crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Make it lighter: use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw fully and pat dry before cooking. This prevents extra water in the pan.
Q: Can I make this without cheese?
A: Yes. The sauce will be less rich but still good. Add a bit more cream or a splash of milk to keep it smooth.
Q: How do I make it less spicy for kids?
A: Use less Cajun seasoning and skip the red pepper flakes. Add a bit of smoked paprika for flavor without heat.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: You can cook the pasta and sauce ahead and store them separately. Add shrimp and bake when ready to serve.
Conclusion
For a tested version with similar steps and tips, see this Best Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Method
- In a hot skillet with olive oil, cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and juicy. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and paprika.
- In the same pan, melt butter. Add garlic and red bell pepper, cooking until fragrant. Stir in diced tomatoes and heavy cream. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Add mozzarella, Parmesan, and spinach (if using). Stir until creamy and well combined.
- Toss in cooked pasta and half the shrimp. Pour the mixture into a baking dish, top with remaining shrimp and a bit more cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Cajun seasoning. Serve hot.