Creamy Cajun Prawn (Shrimp) Pasta

Creamy Cajun Prawn (Shrimp) Pasta Recipe Summary

Introduction: This creamy Cajun prawn pasta is a warm and comforting midweek dinner that's easy to make and ready in under 25 minutes. Perfect for a date night or family gathering, it uses simple ingredients, including thawed shrimp, making it convenient and economical.

Features:

Quick and easy to make, no special ingredients required.

Includes a homemade Cajun spice blend, easily made with everyday spices.

Shrimp are coated in the spice blend before being cooked with marinated bell peppers and spinach, served with a creamy tomato garlic sauce.

Ingredients:

Pasta: 500g dried rigatoni pasta

Shrimp: 500g, shelled and deveined (fresh or thawed)

Water: ¼ cup (60ml)

Marinated roasted bell pepper strips: ½ cup (80g), drained

Tomato paste: ⅓ cup (80g)

Heavy cream: 1½ cups (375ml)

Spinach leaves: 1⅓ cup (60g)

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: 1 cup (100g), extra for garnish

Homemade or store-bought Cajun spice blend

Instructions:

Prepare the spice blend: Mix all spice ingredients together until smooth.

Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions, 1 minute less. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, drain, and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Season the shrimp: Sprinkle half of the spice mixture over the shrimp and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Sauté the shrimp: Heat the remaining olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the shrimp for 1-2 minutes until they turn pink, then remove and set aside.

Add the vegetables: Using the remaining oil in the skillet (add water if necessary), sauté the red onion and garlic until softened. Add the bell peppers and tomato paste and continue to sauté.

Prepare the sauce: Add the remaining spice mixture and heavy cream. Cook over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Finish the shrimp cooking: Return the shrimp and spinach to the skillet and stir until the shrimp are cooked through and the spinach is wilted.

Add the cheese and seasonings: Add the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Mix the pasta: Add the pasta to the sauce. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding pasta water as needed.

Plug: Plate immediately and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese. Tips:

Add other vegetables according to your preference, such as zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.

Serves best with garlic bread, steamed vegetables, or a leafy green salad.

If you don't like shrimp, you can substitute an equal amount of chicken breast or thigh meat.

The spiciness of the spice mixture can be adjusted to your taste.

Preparation and Storage:

The spice mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Pasta can be cooked 1-2 days in advance and refrigerated. Toss with a little olive oil before serving to prevent sticking.

Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3 days and heated in a pan with a small amount of water or butter. Not suitable for freezing.