Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in this flavorful Cajun Shrimp Pasta, a delightful blend of succulent shrimp, vibrant bell peppers, and a creamy, cheesy sauce with a bold kick of Cajun seasoning. It's a comforting dish that's simple enough for a weeknight meal yet sophisticated for a special occasion.

Ingredients

🍤 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of shrimp, tails removed
🍝 1 1/2 pounds of penne pasta
🧅 1 large onion, sliced
🌶️ 1 red bell pepper, sliced
🌶️ 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
🧄 3 cloves of garlic, minced
🌶️ 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (plus an additional 1/2 to 1 tablespoon for the sauce)
🥛 1 cup of heavy cream
🥛 1 cup of milk
🍗 1 cup of chicken broth
🧀 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
🧀 1 cup of parmesan cheese
🌾 1/4 cup of flour
🧈 1 stick of unsalted butter, divided

Instructions

1- Prepare the Pasta:

• Boil a large pot of salted water. Add 1 1/2 pounds of penne pasta, cooking according to package instructions (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

2- Prep Ingredients:

• Slice the onion and bell peppers. Mince the garlic.

3- Season and Cook Shrimp:

• In a bowl, season shrimp with 1 1/2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning.
• Heat a large skillet over high heat with 1 tablespoon of oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once hot, add shrimp and cook for about 1 minute on each side. Remove shrimp and set aside.

4- Sauté Vegetables:

• In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter and sauté the onions and bell peppers for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened. Remove and set aside.

5- Prepare the Sauce:

• Clean the skillet and return it to the stove. Add half a stick of butter and the minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute.
• Mix in the flour, stirring for about another minute.
• Gradually add the milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
• Add mozzarella, parmesan, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Stir until cheeses have melted and sauce is smooth.

6- Combine and Serve:

• Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, mixing to coat evenly.
• Return the shrimp, onions, and peppers to the skillet, combining all ingredients thoroughly.
• Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: Approximately 550
Protein: 30g
Fats: 26g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Equipment Needed:

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Spoons and spatulas for stirring

Cooking Tips:

• For an extra spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
• You can substitute light cream for a lower calorie count without compromising too much on taste.

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Cajun Shrimp Pasta