Cajun Shrimp Scampi

A Spicy Twist on a Classic: Cajun Shrimp Scampi

Cajun Shrimp scampi is a beloved Italian-American pasta dish, but adding Cajun seasoning offers it a highly spiced Southern twist. This version of creamy Cajun shrimp scampi merges the flavors of Louisiana and Italy for a unique weeknight meal idea.

Origins of Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi originated in Italy as a simple guidance of shrimp sautéed in olive oil, white wine, garlic and parsley. When Italian immigrants brought this coastal Mediterranean distinctiveness to the US, it evolved into the rich, creamy pasta dish we recognize today.

A few key adjustments covered including butter, heavy cream and parmesan cheese to the sauce.

Through the years, modern domestic cooks commenced experimenting with other cultural flavors. The Cajun impacts of Louisiana seasoning proved a herbal healthy for shrimp scampi.

Spices like paprika, cayenne and oregano introduced a fiery kick, while browning the shrimp in butter brought out deep, caramelized notes.

Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp Scampi

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails eliminated (or use marinated, cooked shrimp for a quicker weeknight meal)
• 3 tbsp butter, divided
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Kosher salt
• 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Preparing the Cajun Seasoning

For the fine taste, bear in mind making ready your very own Cajun seasoning combo. commonplace components encompass paprika, oregano, thyme, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne and salt. Experiment with ratios to achieve your preferred spice level.

For this recipe, a moderate 1 tbsp blend works properly but sense unfastened to boom the warmth as much as 1/2 tbsp cayenne. Shop leftover seasoning in an airtight container for future use.

Cooking the Shrimp and Sauce

Convey a massive pot of salted water to a boil. While waiting, prepare the sauce:

In a big skillet over medium-high warmness, melt 2 tbsp butter with the olive oil. once foaming, add the shrimp in a unmarried layer. Sauté undisturbed for 2 minutes until pink on bottom. Flip and continue cooking 1 more minute until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

To the equal skillet, upload the final 1 tbsp butter. Once melted, add the garlic and pink pepper flakes. Cook 30 seconds till fragrant however now not browned. Sprinkle inside the Cajun seasoning and cook dinner 1 extra minute. Pour inside the white wine and use a wood spoon to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan.

Reduce warmth to medium and slowly whisk inside the heavy cream until easy and barely thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and completely blended. Go back the shrimp and any accumulated juices to the skillet and gently toss to coat inside the creamy sauce. Season with salt.

Cooking and Serving the Pasta

once the water is boiling, upload the pasta and cook according to bundle instructions until al dente. Reserve half of cup starchy pasta water earlier than draining.

Upload the drained pasta at once to the skillet with the creamy Cajun shrimp sauce. Toss the whole thing collectively over low warmth for 1-2 mins to allow the pasta to soak up the flavors. If the sauce appears thick, swirl in a chunk of reserved pasta water as had to loosen.

Divide the pasta among serving plates and pinnacle with greater parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve right now with lemon wedges for a bright spark of citrus to cut via the richness. revel in!

This recipe comes collectively speedy for an clean weeknight meal the entire family is positive to like. Experience unfastened to test by using substituting extraordinary styles of pasta, shellfish like crawfish or seasonings. You could also prepare it ahead and reheat for meals later inside the week.

See beneath for some key coaching guidelines as well as answers to common questions about this creamy Cajun shrimp scampi pasta dish. Bon appétit!

Tips for Perfect Cajun Shrimp Scampi

• For the best texture, don’t overcrowd the skillet when sautéing the shrimp work in batches if needed
• Cook the shrimp only until just pink and cooked through to prevent rubberiness
• Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan for maximum flavor in the sauce
• Adding pasta water to the sauce helps it coat the pasta evenly while keeping it creamy
• Let the sauce coat each strand of pasta thoroughly before serving for maximum flavor absorption
• Consider keeping extra sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days to toss with more pasta later in the week

FAQs

Recipe: Creamy Cajun Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients:

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp butter, divided
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Kosher salt
• 12 oz pasta

Steps:

1. Carry a pot of salted water to a boil.
2. In a skillet over medium-excessive, melt 2 tbsp butter with olive oil. Sauté shrimp until crimson, 1-2 minutes in step with aspect. transfer to a plate.

    

3. add last 1 tbsp butter to pan. Sauté garlic and crimson pepper flakes 30 seconds. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning and cook 1 minute greater.
4. Pour in white wine; scrape any browned bits. Simmer until reduced by half.
5. Whisk in heavy cream until thickened, 2-3 minutes.
6. Return shrimp to pan; toss to coat. Season with salt.
7. Cook pasta until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup starchy water.
8. Toss pasta with sauce in skillet; thin with pasta water as needed.
9. Serve topped with Parmesan and parsley, with lemon wedges. Enjoy!