Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi (35-Minutes)
Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi is a creamy, spicy, and satisfying dish that combines perfectly seasoned shrimp with a rich Parmesan sauce and tender cavatappi pasta. This easy-to-make recipe is ready in just 35 minutes and serves as a comforting yet flavorful main course.Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it's packed with bold Cajun flavors and a creamy finish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cavatappi pasta
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cavatappi pasta and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Blacken the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry and toss them with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until blackened and fully cooked.
- Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
- Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
- Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired sauce consistency.
- Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring until evenly coated.
- Add the blackened shrimp back into the pan and gently mix everything together.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.