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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

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By Darlene Bennett • February 4th, 2026
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Bell Peppers is served in a skillet, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for brightness. Save
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Bell Peppers is served in a skillet, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for brightness. | cookingwithdarlene.com

This dish combines tender shrimp and colorful bell peppers simmered in a rich, creamy Cajun sauce. The sauce blends heavy cream with Parmesan cheese and spices like smoked paprika and red pepper flakes, coating perfectly cooked pasta. Sautéed onions and garlic add depth, while fresh parsley and lemon wedges brighten the flavors. Ready in just over 30 minutes, it balances spice and creaminess for a satisfying, quick main course.

The first time I made this pasta was on a rainy Tuesday when I needed something to lift my spirits. The way the Cajun spices hit the hot butter filled my entire apartment with this incredible warmth that made the gloom outside disappear completely.

Last summer my sister came over for a last minute dinner and I threw this together using whatever I had in the fridge. She called me the next day begging for the recipe because she could not stop thinking about that sauce.

Ingredients

  • Large shrimp: Fresh shrimp makes all the difference here so buy the best you can find and pat them completely dry before cooking
  • Fettuccine or linguine: These wide noodles hold onto that luscious cream sauce beautifully
  • Red and yellow bell peppers: They add sweetness and crunch that balances the spicy perfectly
  • Red onion: Thinly sliced becomes almost sweet when it cooks down
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is non negotiable for that aromatic base
  • Heavy cream: Creates that velvety restaurant style sauce you are craving
  • Parmesan cheese: freshly grated melts into the cream for the ultimate richness
  • Cajun seasoning: The star of the show make it homemade or buy your favorite brand
  • Olive oil and butter: This combination gives you the perfect sear on the shrimp

Instructions

Cook the pasta:
Boil your fettuccine until just al dente then drain but save that starchy pasta water it is liquid gold for your sauce
Season the shrimp:
Pat your shrimp completely dry with paper towels then toss them with a tablespoon of that Cajun seasoning plus some salt and pepper
Sear the shrimp perfectly:
Get your skillet screaming hot with olive oil and butter then cook the shrimp just 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and gorgeous
Build the flavor base:
In that same delicious skillet cook your onions and peppers until they soften then add the garlic for just one minute so it does not burn
Create the creamy sauce:
Stir in the remaining spices then pour in the heavy cream and let it bubble gently before melting in the Parmesan
Bring it all together:
Toss your cooked pasta and those perfect shrimp right into the sauce then let everything get friendly for a minute or two
A close-up of Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Bell Peppers highlights saucy fettuccine, plump shrimp, and colorful sliced peppers. Save
A close-up of Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Bell Peppers highlights saucy fettuccine, plump shrimp, and colorful sliced peppers. | cookingwithdarlene.com

This recipe has become my go to for dinner parties because it looks impressive but comes together so fast I can actually spend time with my guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

Making It Lighter

I have made this with half and half instead of heavy cream and while it is not quite as decadent it still delivers that creamy satisfaction. The key is letting it reduce a bit longer so it thickens properly without the full fat content.

Perfect Wine Pairings

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness beautifully while a light Chardonnay complements the creamy elements without overpowering the spices. The acidity in both wines helps balance that Cajun heat.

Make It Your Own

Do not be afraid to play around with this recipe based on what you love. I have tried countless variations and some of my best kitchen discoveries happened this way.

  • Swap shrimp for chicken and let it simmer longer in the sauce
  • Add andouille sausage for a truly authentic Cajun twist
  • Throw in some spinach at the end for extra color and nutrition
Plated Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Bell Peppers beside a glass of white wine makes a perfect weeknight dinner. Save
Plated Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Bell Peppers beside a glass of white wine makes a perfect weeknight dinner. | cookingwithdarlene.com

Squeeze that fresh lemon over your bowl right before eating and watch how it brightens the entire dish. This is the kind of meal that makes everyone feel taken care of.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Add extra Cajun seasoning or increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.

Fettuccine or linguine work well to hold the creamy sauce and mix evenly with shrimp and peppers.

Yes, chicken or sausage can be used for variation while maintaining the bold Cajun flavors.

The sauce thickens naturally with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a gentle simmer to reach a smooth consistency.

Fresh parsley adds brightness and lemon wedges offer a zesty finish that balances the creamy sauce.

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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Bell Peppers is served in a skillet, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for brightness.
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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Spicy Cajun cream sauce coats shrimp, bell peppers, and pasta for a vibrant, quick dinner option.

Prep 15m
Cook 20m
Total 35m
Servings 4
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Seafood

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta

  • 12 oz fettuccine or linguine

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Pantry

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

1
Prepare the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Set aside.
2
Season the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3
Sear the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
4
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Cook onion and bell peppers 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
5
Build the Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
6
Thicken the Sauce: Add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and sauce is smooth. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
7
Combine and Serve: Return pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss until evenly coated in sauce. Cook 1–2 minutes until heated through. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 625
Protein 36g
Carbs 59g
Fat 29g

Allergy Information

  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)
  • Contains dairy (cream, Parmesan)
  • Contains wheat (pasta)
  • Verify Cajun seasoning and Parmesan labels for gluten or additional allergens
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Darlene Bennett

Sharing simple recipes and real-life cooking tips for home cooks.