Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Volcano

 

Ingredients :

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

1 tbsp butter

1 tsp chili flakes (optional heat boost)

Salt & pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Juice of ½ lemon

How to Make It :

1️⃣ Boil the Pasta:

Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and save ½ cup of pasta water for later. This trick creates that silky, restaurant-quality sauce.

2️⃣ Sear the Shrimp:

Toss shrimp in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a hot skillet with olive oil, sear shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred—this quick flavor bomb makes the dish pop!

3️⃣ Build That Bold Cream Sauce:

Lower heat, melt butter, then sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in cream and stir for 2–3 minutes. Add Parmesan and chili flakes, stirring until thickened and irresistibly creamy.

4️⃣ Toss Pasta & Shrimp Together:

Add cooked pasta and seared shrimp into the sauce. Splash in pasta water and mix it all up for that smooth, glossy finish. Season to taste.

5️⃣ Plate with Flair:

Twirl pasta into a high, volcano-style stack. Top with extra shrimp, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon. Boom—date night upgrade or weekend flex in under 30 minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Serving: 2

Calories: ~690 per serving | Protein: ~42g per serving