When you crave a dinner that's absolutely bursting with bold flavor but takes almost no time, this Easy 15-Minute Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is your answer! Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp tossed with pasta in a rich, spicy, creamy sauce-every twirl is pure comfort.

This dish is stunningly quick, ultra-satisfying, and requires just one skillet and a handful of pantry ingredients. It's got that irresistible Cajun kick paired with luscious creaminess and a pop of garlicky goodness.

I love whipping this up after a long day, when only something dreamy and decadent will do, but I'm short on time. It's the ultimate weeknight dinner hero and sure to wow your family or friends.

A bowl of creamy Cajun shrimp pasta with fresh parsley and lemon wedges

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 15 minutes-perfect for busy weeknights.
Big, bold Cajun flavors with creamy, restaurant-quality sauce.
Minimal prep and just one pot for easy cleanup.
Flexible and customizable for spice level and add-ins.

Key Ingredients for Easy 15-Minute Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Shrimp

Shrimp are the star of the show here, adding sweet, tender bites that soak up all the Cajun goodness. Use large (21-25 count) shrimp, peeled and deveined for easier eating and even cooking. Fresh or frozen (thawed) both work well. If you don't have shrimp, you could also use scallops or sliced chicken breast for a tasty twist.

Cajun Seasoning

This is what delivers that signature smoky, spicy flavor that makes the dish irresistible. Use your favorite store-bought Cajun blend, or mix up your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs. Go bold, but taste as you go-different brands vary in spice level. You can swap for Creole seasoning, but it will be less spicy.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream transforms the spicy sauce into something dreamy and luscious, mellowing the heat while adding extra richness. If you want to lighten it up, half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner. For a dairy-free option, try unsweetened coconut cream.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan adds nuttiness and body to the sauce, helping it coat the pasta beautifully. Pre-grated or bagged cheese melts less smoothly, so grate your own if you can! Pecorino Romano is a good, slightly sharper substitute.

Pasta

I love using fettuccine for its wide surface area and bite, but spaghetti or penne are great options too. Any regular or gluten-free pasta works; just cook until al dente for the best texture. For an extra kick, try using Cajun-flavored pasta if you can find it.

Instructions for Easy 15-Minute Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook just until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

Season and Sauté the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and sauté for 1-2 minutes per side, just until pink and cooked through. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, remaining Cajun seasoning, and a big pinch each of salt and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce

Add drained pasta and cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.

Finish with a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice and adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve and Garnish

Plate the pasta and top with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of brightness.

Recipe Variations

Make It Lighter

Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk to lighten up the sauce, or use coconut milk for a non-dairy version. The sauce will still be tasty and silky!

Play with Protein

Not a shrimp fan? Try substituting thinly sliced chicken breast, scallops, or even cooked andouille sausage for a delicious twist. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

Gluten-Free Option

This recipe works perfectly with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Make sure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free, too.

Extra Veggies

Stir in a handful of baby spinach, sautéed bell peppers, or halved cherry tomatoes when you add the shrimp back to the pan. It's a great way to add color and nutrients!

Turn Up (or Down) the Heat

If you like things mild, use less Cajun seasoning or choose a low-sodium, mild blend. For spice lovers, add a pinch of cayenne or some crushed red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta with a crisp green salad (think arugula or romaine with a lemon vinaigrette) and some warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up all that sauce. A chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully. Top each plate with fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon for an extra pop of freshness.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce can separate after thawing and the shrimp may lose their tender texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy 15-Minute Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?

A: Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp overnight in the fridge or under cool running water before cooking. Pat dry very well to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

Q: Is Cajun shrimp pasta very spicy?

A: The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning. Start with less and adjust to taste-it should be zesty but not overpowering. You can always add more, but you can't take it out!

Q: What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

A: Fettuccine is classic, but linguine, spaghetti, or even penne work well! Use your favorite or whatever you have on hand.

Craving something bold, creamy, and effortless? This Easy 15-Minute Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is the flavor-packed answer to busy nights or last-minute guests. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out-leave a rating or a comment below! I'd love to hear your spin.