One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a bold, flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, spicy Cajun cream sauce—all in a single pot for easy cleanup! This dish is creamy, smoky, and packed with just the right amount of heat.

I first made this when I wanted a quick yet indulgent pasta dish with a kick. The Cajun seasoning infused the shrimp and sauce with deep, savory flavors, while the creamy base balanced the spice beautifully. It instantly became a favorite for busy weeknights and special occasions alike!

What’s great about One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is how easy it is to customize. You can adjust the spice level, add bell peppers for extra crunch, or swap the shrimp for chicken or sausage. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this creamy, comforting dish is sure to impress!

Perfect for:

Quick weeknight dinners
Family meals
Seafood lovers
One-pot meal enthusiasts
Fans of bold, spicy flavors

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta will become your new go-to meal:

Rich and Spicy Flavor: The Cajun seasoning adds the perfect smoky heat.
One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in a single pot, reducing cleanup time.
Juicy, Succulent Shrimp: Perfectly seasoned shrimp add protein and flavor.
Creamy and Satisfying: A luscious, velvety sauce coats every strand of pasta.
Balanced Heat: The spice level can be adjusted to your taste.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Versatile Recipe: Easily swap shrimp for chicken, turkey sausage, or tofu.
Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Simmered in the sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
Impressive Yet Simple: A gourmet dish that’s effortless to make.
Family-Friendly: Spicy but creamy enough for everyone to enjoy.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 25 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 550-600 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

8 oz linguine or fettuccine
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups chicken or seafood broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

For Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese
Lemon wedges

Ingredient Highlights

Cajun Seasoning: Brings bold, smoky spice to the dish.
Fresh Shrimp: Sweet and juicy, perfectly complemented by the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, umami depth to the dish.
Cherry Tomatoes: Provide a burst of freshness and balance the richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Shrimp:

Heat Oil and Butter: In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
Season and Sauté Shrimp: Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sear for 2 minutes per side until opaque and slightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Cook the Pasta and Sauce:

Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same pot, add garlic and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Add pasta and stir to coat.
Simmer Until Tender: Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and absorbs most of the liquid.
Stir in Cream and Cheese: Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens.

Combine and Serve:

Return Shrimp to Pot: Stir shrimp back in, along with lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes to warm through.
Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and lemon wedges. Serve hot!

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta:

With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty garlic bread.
Over Zoodles: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
With a Side Salad: Pair with a crisp Caesar or garden salad.
Topped with Extra Seafood: Add scallops or crab for a luxurious twist.
With a Glass of Mocktail: Complements the creamy and spicy flavors.
As a Meal Prep Option: Store leftovers for a quick, delicious lunch.
Topped with Crispy Beef Bacon: For added crunch and smoky flavor.
With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus or bell peppers.
Sprinkled with Extra Red Pepper Flakes: For those who love extra heat.
With a Citrus Twist: Add an extra squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Shrimp – Opt for fresh, deveined shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry before cooking.
Adjust the Spice Level – Control the heat by adding more or less Cajun seasoning. For extra spice, toss in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – Shrimp cooks quickly! Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.
Toast the Spices – Sauté the Cajun seasoning in butter or oil for a few seconds to enhance its bold, smoky flavor.
Choose the Right Pasta – Penne, linguine, or fettuccine work best for absorbing the creamy sauce without getting mushy.
Use Heavy Cream for Richness – For a truly creamy sauce, heavy cream works best. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter version.
Add a Squeeze of Lemon – A little fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the sauce.
Incorporate Vegetables – Bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes add color, nutrients, and a fresh contrast to the dish.
Reserve Some Pasta Water – A splash of starchy pasta water helps thicken the sauce and make it extra silky.
Finish with Fresh Herbs & Cheese – Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a burst of freshness and umami flavor.

Recipe Variations

Chicken & Shrimp Combo – Add diced chicken breast along with the shrimp for a surf-and-turf twist.
Andouille Turkey Sausage Kick – Stir in sliced andouille turkey sausage for extra smoky, spicy flavor.
Spicy Diablo Style – Increase the Cajun seasoning and add crushed red pepper flakes for a fiery heat.
Cheesy Delight – Stir in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for an ultra-creamy, cheesy sauce.
Tomato-Based Creole – Swap out some cream for crushed tomatoes to create a tangy, Creole-style pasta.
Vegetable Boost – Add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition.
Lemon Garlic Twist – Squeeze fresh lemon juice and add extra garlic for a zesty, aromatic flavor.
Low-Carb Option – Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter version.
Beef Bacon Lover’s Edition – Crumble crispy beef bacon on top for a smoky, salty crunch.
Seafood Medley – Add scallops, mussels, or crab meat for a deluxe seafood feast.

Special Equipment

Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For cooking everything in one pot.
Tongs: For handling shrimp and stirring pasta.
Microplane Grater: For fresh Parmesan cheese.
Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring creamy sauces.
Ladle: For serving the perfect pasta portions.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the sauce.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning used.
Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?
Yes, you can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut milk for a lighter version, but the sauce may be slightly less creamy.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Linguine, fettuccine, or penne work well, but you can use any pasta you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
What can I use if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes make great additions for extra flavor and nutrition.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Shrimp cook very quickly—usually 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Yes! Use bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or thighs and cook them until fully done before adding the pasta and sauce.

Conclusion

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a bold, flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, spicy Cajun cream sauce—all made in just one pot! With its smoky heat, creamy texture, and garlicky goodness, this easy pasta dish is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal.

This recipe is easy to customize—swap shrimp for chicken or sausage, add bell peppers or spinach for extra color, or adjust the spice level to your liking. Whether you’re craving something indulgent yet simple, this one-pot pasta is sure to be a hit!

I can’t wait to see how your One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this recipe your own!