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To make One Pot Cajun Shrimp Pasta, gather these simple ingredients: - 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips - 1 green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips - 1 small onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish These ingredients work together to create a rich, flavorful dish. The Cajun seasoning brings a nice kick. The shrimp add protein and taste. Bell peppers and spinach give a fresh crunch. The heavy cream makes the sauce smooth and creamy. Remember to use low sodium broth for a balanced flavor. Gather everything before you start cooking. It helps to keep the process smooth and fun. 1. First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. 2. When the oil shimmers, add the sliced red and green bell peppers and the diced onion. 3. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes. Stir them often until they soften and brown a bit. 1. Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the pot. Stir well and cook for 1 minute. 2. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning over the veggies. Mix it well so they get coated. 3. Now, add 1 pound of large shrimp to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. 1. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the pot. 2. Add 12 ounces of fettuccine or linguine pasta. Make sure it's covered by the broth. 3. Cover the pot and cook the pasta for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This keeps it from sticking. 1. Once the pasta is done and liquid is mostly absorbed, lower the heat to medium-low. 2. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 cup of chopped spinach. 3. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, stirring gently until the spinach wilts. 4. Taste the dish and adjust with salt, black pepper, or more Cajun seasoning if needed. 5. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright touch. To cook shrimp without overcooking, watch the color. Cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. If you see them curl tightly, they are done. For Cajun seasoning, I recommend brands like Tony Chachere’s or Slap Ya Mama. They add great depth to your dish. You can also make your own blend with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano. To prevent pasta from sticking, stir it well right after adding it to the pot. Make sure you use enough broth. This keeps it from clumping together. For cooking times, fettuccine or linguine usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Always check the package for exact times since some brands may vary. You can add more spices like paprika or a pinch of cayenne for heat. If you want more protein, consider adding cooked chicken or sausage. Incorporating vegetables can boost flavor and nutrition. Try adding zucchini, mushrooms, or even kale. They can add color and taste to your dish. {{image_4}} If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta like rice or chickpea pasta. These work well in this dish. For dairy-free needs, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. These alternatives add a nice twist. Change up the flavor by trying different seasoning blends. You can use Old Bay or Creole seasoning for a new taste. Adding citrus, like lemon or lime juice, brightens the dish. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro also add a burst of flavor. You can easily swap shrimp for chicken or sausage. Cook them until they are done. Use seasonal vegetables like zucchini or asparagus for a fresh take. This keeps the dish vibrant and helps use up what you have. To keep your One Pot Cajun Shrimp Pasta fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss. I suggest glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These materials help keep the food safe and tasty. Let the pasta cool before sealing the container. This step stops steam from building up inside. You can freeze One Pot Cajun Shrimp Pasta for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to leave some space at the top; the pasta will expand. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it moist. When stored properly, this dish can last up to three days in the fridge. In the freezer, it can stay good for about two months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for off smells, changes in color, or mold. If you see any of these, it's best to throw it out. To make this dish spicier, add more Cajun seasoning. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Start with a little, then taste. Adjust as needed. Fresh jalapeños or hot sauce can add a nice kick too. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. This method keeps them fresh. If you add them frozen, they may need more cooking time. Always check they turn pink before serving. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. Coconut milk is a great dairy-free choice. For a richer taste, consider using cashew cream. Blend soaked cashews with water until smooth for a creamy texture. Cook the pasta and shrimp as instructed. Let it cool before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist. Yes! Swap shrimp with mushrooms or zucchini for texture. You can also add chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Replace heavy cream with plant-based cream for a creamy finish. This keeps the dish hearty and satisfying. This blog post covered how to make One Pot Cajun Shrimp Pasta. We went through the key ingredients, from pasta to shrimp and spices. You learned step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, variations, and storage methods. Making this dish is easy and fun. You can customize it to your taste and store leftovers well. Enjoy a flavorful meal that keeps well and delights everyone. Happy cooking!

One Pot Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Get ready to spice up your weeknight dinners with this One Pot Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe! With succulent shrimp, vibrant veggies, and creamy goodness, you can whip up a delightful meal in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings, this dish is packed with flavor and is sure to impress your family and friends. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your cooking game! #CajunShrimpPasta #EasyRecipes #OnePotMeals #DinnerIn30Minutes
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Ingredients
  

12 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips

1 green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips

1 small onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the diced onion. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and slightly caramelized.

    Add the minced garlic to the pot, stirring it in well. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to release its fragrance without burning.

      Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over the sautéed vegetables, stirring thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated with the flavorful spices.

        Introduce the shrimp to the pot, stirring gently. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, ensuring they do not overcook.

          Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom.

            Add the pasta to the pot, making sure it is completely submerged in the broth. Cover the pot and cook according to the pasta package instructions until al dente, typically around 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.

              Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid has mostly absorbed, reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped spinach leaves. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring gently until the spinach wilts and the dish is heated through.

                Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning if desired.

                  Remove the pot from heat and let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken up before serving.

                    Just before serving, garnish with a generous sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley to brighten the dish and enhance the visual appeal.

                      Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4