Creamy Cajun Shrimp Scampi

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Scampi is the perfect dish for those who love bold flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. This delightful meal combines succulent shrimp with a creamy sauce, making it not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re a busy professional or a home cook looking for a quick yet impressive meal, Creamy Cajun Shrimp Scampi is a fantastic option.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 450
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 620mg

Why Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Scampi

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Scampi is not just a quick meal; it’s also packed with nutrients. Shrimp are rich in protein and low in calories, making them an excellent choice for a healthy dinner. The addition of garlic and Cajun seasoning brings a depth of flavor to the dish, while the rich cream and Parmesan provide a satisfying richness that elevates it to restaurant-quality. Plus, this recipe is highly customizable; you can easily adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Scampi Step by Step

Ingredients

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning to the skillet; cook until shrimp is pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking until the sauce is well combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Scampi

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Scampi pairs beautifully with a mixed green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. Serve it alongside garlic bread for a complete meal, or enjoy it with steamed broccoli to add some greens. For a more indulgent touch, consider a glass of Chardonnay to complement the creamy flavors of the scampi.

How to Store Creamy Cajun Shrimp Scampi

To store Creamy Cajun Shrimp Scampi, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce consistency. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to a month. Just be aware that the texture of the shrimp may change slightly once thawed.

Expert Tips for Cooking Creamy Cajun Shrimp Scampi

• Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture; frozen shrimp can be used but should be thawed completely before cooking.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting Cajun seasoning; start with less if you are sensitive to heat.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should be just cooked through to avoid a rubbery texture.
• Fresh Parmesan cheese works best; pre-grated cheese can have anti-caking agents that change the sauce’s texture.
• Reserve a bit of pasta water to add to the sauce if it seems too thick.

Delicious Variations of Creamy Cajun Shrimp Scampi

For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. To enhance the flavor further, stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice for a citrusy brightness. For a vegetarian option, swap shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or zucchini, keeping the same creamy sauce base.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Scampi is a meal that delivers on taste and convenience. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your home. Don’t hesitate to give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Scampi

A delightful and quick dish that combines succulent shrimp with a creamy sauce, enhanced by bold Cajun flavors for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Seafood

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning Adjust according to spice preference.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Fresh Parmesan works best.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

Cooking the Pasta

1. Cook spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions; drain and set aside.

Making the Sauce

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning to the skillet; cook until shrimp is pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking until the sauce is well combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper.

Combining and Serving

1. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated.
2. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Notes

To store, let it cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or cream. Freeze for up to a month.