Description
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, spicy Cajun cream sauce baked to perfection. The blend of Cajun seasoning, cheese, and creamy sauce creates a mouthwatering meal with just the right balance of heat and richness. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions when you want something both hearty and impressive. With its creamy texture and bold flavors, it’s sure to become one of your go-to seafood pasta recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 10 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add shrimp, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and bell peppers until soft. Add flour and stir for 1 minute to make a light roux. Slowly pour in milk and cream while whisking continuously until thickened.
- Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the sauce, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Servings
Serves 4–5 people
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 560
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 210mg
Sodium: 870mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Notes
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the cream with evaporated milk or Greek yogurt. If you prefer more heat, add cayenne pepper or crushed red chili flakes to the Cajun mix. This recipe also works well with chicken or sausage if you want to mix up the protein.
Tips
- Do not overcook the shrimp; they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best creamy texture.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the sauce.
- Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Health Benefits
Shrimp is high in lean protein, low in calories, and an excellent source of iodine, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. The combination of whole milk and cheese provides calcium and vitamin D for strong bones, while bell peppers offer antioxidants and vitamin C to support immunity. Using olive oil adds healthy fats that promote heart health, making this meal both delicious and nutritious in moderation.
