Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake 🍤🔥🧀
Juicy shrimp, tender pasta, Cajun spices, and a creamy cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or thin pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ÂĽ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil. Add onion, garlic, and peppers. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add shrimp: Season shrimp with Cajun spice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add to skillet and cook 2–3 minutes until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make sauce: Pour in cream and chicken broth. Simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted.
- Combine: Toss pasta and shrimp into sauce. Mix well.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy hot.
Tips
- Spice level: Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste—add chili flakes for extra heat.
- Cheese swap: Try cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: Assemble ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Caption & Engagement
Caption: “Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake—spicy, cheesy, and irresistibly creamy! 🍤🔥🧀”
- Comment prompt: “Would you add extra Cajun spice or keep it mild?”
- Rotating closers: “Save for your next comfort dinner.” • “Tag a friend who loves shrimp.” • “Golden bake, creamy sauce.”