Description
A comforting pasta bake featuring creamy sauce, succulent shrimp, and a hint of Cajun spice, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine, cooked al dente
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional, chopped)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp: In a hot skillet with olive oil, cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and juicy. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced red bell pepper and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Create the creamy sauce: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and heavy cream, letting the mixture simmer for about 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cheese and toss with pasta: Sprinkle in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, stirring until melted and creamy. If using spinach, add it now, then mix in cooked pasta and half of the shrimp.
- Bake the dish: Pour mixture into a baking dish, top with remaining shrimp and extra cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Out of the oven, garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Serve hot.
Notes
Perfect for weeknight dinners and gatherings. Can be prepared in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: shrimp, pasta, bake, Cajun, creamy, comfort food, weeknight dinner