Cajun Shrimp Scampi

Introduction

Cajun Shrimp Scampi is a delightful and flavorful dish that brings the taste of the South right to your kitchen. With succulent shrimp coated in a rich, creamy sauce and served over pasta, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The blend of Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Why Make This Recipe

If you enjoy shrimp and love a bit of spice, Cajun Shrimp Scampi is the dish for you. It’s not only easy and quick to prepare, but it also requires minimal ingredients that you probably already have on hand. This recipe combines the creaminess of heavy cream with the flavorful kick of Cajun spices, making it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation!

How to Make Cajun Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients:

12 raw shrimps (as many as you’d like, I like having a lot in my pasta)
1 serving of pasta (preferably a linguine)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
Shredded parmesan cheese
1/8 teaspoon basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Flour (to thicken)
Cajun seasoning
1/4 cup parsley
White wine (not shown)
Olive oil (not shown)

Directions:

Heat a saucepan on medium-high heat. Add the butter, a drizzle of olive oil, and a dash of white wine. Bring to a boil.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, letting the flavor infuse the butter.
Next, add the raw shrimp to the pan. Season the shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning according to your taste.
Cook the shrimp until they turn pink on one side, then flip them and cook for another minute. Remove them from the pan, leaving the liquid behind.
Add the heavy cream, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Whisk in sprinkles of flour until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Lower the heat to medium-low and return the shrimp to the pan. Toss the shrimp to coat them in the sauce.
Serve over your choice of pasta, topping each plate with parmesan cheese, and enjoy!

How to Serve Cajun Shrimp Scampi

This dish is best served immediately after it’s cooked. Plate the pasta and generously spoon the creamy Cajun shrimp sauce over it. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese if desired. Pair it with a chilled glass of white wine for an extra touch.

How to Store Cajun Shrimp Scampi

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on a stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Tips to Make Cajun Shrimp Scampi

Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture; frozen shrimp can also work but be sure to thaw completely.
Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preference, adding more for a spicier dish or less for a milder flavor.
Make sure to keep the sauce at a low simmer after adding the shrimp to avoid overcooking them.

Variation (If Any)

You can easily modify this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

FAQs

Can I use cooked shrimp in this recipe?
Yes, but you will need to reduce the cooking time. Just heat them through in the sauce until warmed.

What can I use instead of white wine?
You can substitute with chicken broth or omit it altogether. Adding a bit of lemon juice can also help enhance the flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make Cajun Shrimp Scampi gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

Enjoy cooking your delicious Cajun Shrimp Scampi!