Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake
Introduction
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food—rich, spicy, and irresistibly cheesy! Juicy shrimp are tossed with sautéed peppers, onions, and a creamy Cajun sauce, then baked with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan until golden and bubbly. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake:
1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 oz (340g) 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
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (drained) or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped
2 tsp Cajun seasoning (add more to taste)
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth (or seafood stock)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente (1 minute less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
Prepare the shrimp:
Toss the shrimp with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning and a drizzle of olive oil. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the sauce base:
In the same skillet, melt butter with olive oil. Add onions, red and green bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Add tomatoes and seasoning:
Stir in the diced tomatoes, remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Create the creamy sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine pasta and shrimp:
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp into the sauce. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
Assemble the bake:
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling with golden spots.
Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, spicy goodness!
How to Make (Simplified Overview)
Cook pasta and shrimp.
Sauté veggies and garlic.
Add tomatoes, Cajun spices, cream, and broth to make the sauce.
Mix everything together and top with cheese.
Bake until golden and bubbly.
Variations
Add Protein Mix: Combine shrimp with chicken or sausage for a richer Cajun combo.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the shrimp and use mushrooms or zucchini for a hearty veggie bake.
Extra Heat: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
Cheese Twist: Try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack instead of mozzarella for a sharper flavor.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Tips for the Best Results
Don’t overcook the shrimp: They should be just pink before baking—overcooking makes them rubbery.
Use freshly grated cheese: It melts creamier than pre-shredded varieties.
Balance the spice: Adjust Cajun seasoning based on your heat preference.
Bake uncovered: This helps the top cheese layer get beautifully golden and bubbly.
Let it rest: Allow the bake to sit for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake is a bold, flavorful, and comforting dish that brings the spirit of Louisiana straight to your kitchen. Whether for a weeknight treat or a festive meal, it’s guaranteed to satisfy every seafood and cheese lover at the table!