Go Back

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

A delightful creamy dish featuring seasoned shrimp over tender orzo, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined Fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup orzo Cooks quickly and mimics rice texture
  • 1 cup heavy cream Provides richness and creaminess
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced For robust flavor
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Adds a savory touch
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced Adds sweetness and color
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped For garnish

Method
 

Cooking the Orzo
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add 1 cup of orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sautéing the Aromatics
  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and ½ diced bell pepper, cooking until fragrant and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
Cooking the Shrimp
  1. Toss in 1 pound of shrimp seasoned with Cajun seasoning. Cook until the shrimp turns pink, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Making the Sauce
  1. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir until combined. Allow it to simmer for a minute, then add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, mixing everything until nicely coated in sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
  1. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and more Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Add veggies such as spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition. Adjust spice level with more Cajun seasoning or hot sauce.