Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of Cajun cuisine with the comforting essence of a baked pasta. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it is simple to make and packed with flavor. Plus, it is easily customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients according to your preferences or what you have on hand.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 540
Protein: 27g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fat: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 650mg
Why Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake offers a delicious and satisfying meal that can please everyone at the table. The shrimp provides a great source of lean protein, while the colorful bell peppers add nutrients and beautiful presentation. This dish is not only comforting but also versatile; you can easily adjust the spices or substitute the shrimp with your favorite protein or vegetables for a meatless version.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake Step by Step
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 oz (340g) spaghetti or thin pasta
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella or cheddar)
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, and bell peppers; sauté until softened.
- Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning; cook until shrimp is pink and cooked through.
- Stir in heavy cream and cheese until melted. Combine the mixture with the cooked pasta, season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese if desired, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake
Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. A side of garlic bread would complement the creamy dish perfectly. For an extra kick, drizzle a bit of hot sauce on top before serving.
How to Store Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also freeze the pasta bake for up to 2 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Expert Tips for Cooking Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake
- For an added kick, increase the Cajun seasoning according to your taste.
- Substitute shrimp with chicken or sausage for a different protein option.
- Use a mix of cheeses for a richer flavor.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should be just pink and tender.
- Experiment with adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for more nutrients.
Delicious Variations of Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake
- For a spicy version, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresher flavor.
- Try a citrus twist by adding a splash of lemon juice before baking for brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake
Is this dish spicy? The level of spiciness can be adjusted by modifying the amount of Cajun seasoning used.
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before cooking to avoid excess water.
How can I make this dish vegetarian? Simply omit the shrimp and add more vegetables like zucchini or asparagus.
Conclusion
Give Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake a try for a meal that offers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s a dish that satisfies cravings, provides comfort, and is sure to impress anyone around the dinner table. Enjoy this delicious fusion of pasta and Cajun spices!
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz spaghetti or thin pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella or cheddar)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, and bell peppers; sauté until softened.
- Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning; cook until shrimp is pink and cooked through.
- Stir in heavy cream and cheese until melted. Combine the mixture with the cooked pasta, season with salt and pepper.
Baking
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese if desired, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot.
