There is something truly magical about a pasta dish that combines spicy, creamy, and fresh elements all in one bowl. This Lightened Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe strikes the perfect balance by packing bold Cajun flavors without the heaviness, thanks to clever ingredient swaps and wholesome additions like baby spinach. It is a vibrant, comforting meal that feels indulgent yet light—a perfect way to impress dinner guests or treat yourself on a busy weeknight. Once you try this dish, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients will set the foundation for this dish’s rich taste and delightful texture. Each item plays a unique role, from building the creamy sauce to bringing that signature Cajun kick, and finishing with fresh, green brightness.
- Spaghetti (16 oz): The classic pasta base that soaks up the sauce beautifully, giving you a perfect bite every time.
- Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Tender, juicy, and quick to cook, shrimp add a lovely protein punch and subtle sweetness.
- Cajun seasoning (¼ cup, divided): This spice blend brings the vibrant heat and depth that make this dish unforgettable.
- Salt and black pepper (pinch): Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors harmoniously.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for sautéing shrimp and developing layers of flavor with a light touch.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds silky richness to the sauce without overwhelming the lightness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Aromatic and pungent, garlic is the backbone of the sauce’s fragrant profile.
- Diced tomatoes (2 cans, 14 oz each, undrained): Provide acidity, sweetness, and a slightly chunky texture to brighten the creamy sauce.
- Milk (2 cups): A wholesome liquid base that keeps the sauce creamy but much lighter than heavy cream.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): The secret thickener that helps the sauce cling perfectly to pasta and shrimp.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds nutty, salty depth and a velvety finish.
- Baby spinach (8 oz bag): Fresh greens that add color, nutrients, and a delicate earthiness to the dish.
- Fresh parsley: For garnish, offering a fresh herbal note and a pop of vibrant green.
How to Make Lightened Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta
Start by boiling the spaghetti according to package instructions until perfectly al dente—tender but with a little bite. Drain it thoroughly and keep it warm. This ensures your pasta is ready to soak up all the flavors without getting mushy.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
In a mixing bowl, toss peeled and deveined shrimp with half of the Cajun seasoning, along with a pinch of salt and black pepper. This seasoning layer gives the shrimp its first burst of zesty flavor before cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook until they turn opaque and slightly golden—just a couple of minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside, so they don’t overcook.
Step 4: Create the Sauce Base
Lower the heat slightly, then add butter and minced garlic to the same pot. Cook just until the garlic becomes fragrant and soft, without browning, about 1 minute. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and the milk, letting the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In a separate small bowl, whisk about ¼ cup of the milk and tomato mixture with the flour until smooth to create a roux. Stir this back into the larger pot and whisk continuously over medium heat. As the sauce warms, it will thicken into a luscious, velvety consistency.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Cajun Kick
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Stir gently and allow the sauce to simmer until it is flavorful and rich but still light enough to let the shrimp and spinach shine.
Step 7: Combine Everything
Return the cooked shrimp to the pot along with the warmed spaghetti. Toss everything together to ensure the noodles and shrimp are thoroughly coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. Stir in the baby spinach last, letting it wilt just enough to soften but retain vibrant color and freshness.
Step 8: Final Touches and Serve
Garnish your dish with fresh parsley and, if you like, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect harmony of spicy, creamy, and fresh flavors all on one plate.
How to Serve Lightened Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a straightforward but essential garnish that adds a delightful herbal brightness and color contrast. Feel free to add a lemon wedge on the side for a hint of citrus brightness to cut through the richness.
Side Dishes
To accompany this dish, consider a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty whole grain bread to mop up the sauce. Roasted or grilled vegetables make a lovely nutritional complement without overpowering the bold shrimp flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with extra Cajun seasoning or a few chili flakes. Alternatively, arrange the shrimp over a bed of pasta and drizzle more sauce on top for an elegant restaurant-style presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Lightened Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to preserve freshness and flavor.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if necessary, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Note that the texture of the pasta and shrimp may change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce and stir frequently to avoid drying out the shrimp and pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works great, you can switch to fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and enjoy the variation.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The Cajun seasoning adds a pleasant medium heat, but if you prefer milder flavors, use less seasoning or remove any added chili flakes. You can always add more at the table.
Can I substitute the milk with something else?
Yes, whole milk is suggested for creaminess, but you can substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind the sauce may be slightly less rich.
How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Shrimp turn from translucent to opaque pink when done, which usually takes just 2–3 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them rubbery, so keep a close eye.
Can I add other vegetables to the pasta?
Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini make wonderful additions. Add them during the sauce stage to let them cook gently and absorb those lovely Cajun flavors.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Lightened Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe enough. It’s the perfect balance of cozy creaminess and lively spice, all while keeping things light and nutritious. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this dish will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare for some serious compliments at the table!
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Lightened Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Lightened Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and healthier twist on the classic creamy Cajun pasta. Featuring succulent shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices, tender spaghetti, and a rich yet lightened tomato and milk-based sauce thickened with a flour roux, this dish combines comforting creaminess with a spicy kick. Fresh baby spinach adds a vibrant touch, making it a well-rounded and delicious meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (16 oz) box spaghetti
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail off
- ¼ cup Cajun seasoning, divided
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (8 oz) bag baby spinach
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside, keeping it warm for combining later.
- Season Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with half of the Cajun seasoning along with a pinch of salt and black pepper to evenly coat the shrimp with the spices.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook until they turn opaque and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside.
- Make Sauce: To the same pot, add the butter and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and the garlic is lightly golden, about 1 minute. Then stir in the undrained diced tomatoes along with the milk.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of the milk and tomato mixture with the all-purpose flour until smooth to create a roux. Slowly add this roux back into the pot, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, and cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining Cajun seasoning into the thickened sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer gently over medium heat for a few minutes to meld the flavors, stirring occasionally. After thickening, turn off the heat.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp and the drained spaghetti to the sauce in the pot. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly with the sauce. Finally, stir in the baby spinach and cover the pot briefly to let the spinach wilt in the residual heat.
- Serve: Garnish the pasta with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese as desired. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy this creamy, spicy shrimp pasta.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, use low-fat milk and reduce the butter to ½ tablespoon.
- You can substitute gluten-free pasta if needed, but ensure it cooks properly according to package instructions.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook it a few minutes longer after adding the roux while stirring continuously.
- Fresh parsley enhances the freshness of the dish but can be omitted if unavailable.
