Here’s a detailed, restaurant-style Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe with step-by-step directions. I’ll make sure it’s thorough so you can follow it easily.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients
For the Cajun Shrimp:
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp salt

2 tbsp olive oil or butter

For the Pasta:
12 oz (340g) fettuccine or linguine pasta

2 tbsp unsalted butter

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions
1. Prepare the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.

Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Season and cook the shrimp
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Make sure they’re evenly coated.

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt 2 tbsp butter.

Add onions and sauté 2-3 minutes until translucent.

Add garlic and bell peppers, cooking another 2-3 minutes until softened.

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.

Sprinkle in 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

4. Combine pasta and shrimp
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the sauce.

Gently fold in the cooked shrimp.

Simmer 1-2 minutes to let everything heat through.

5. Serve
Divide pasta among plates or bowls.

Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Serve immediately with garlic bread or a light salad for a full meal.

Tips for Best Results
Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook very fast and can get rubbery.

For a spicier kick, increase Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne.

Homemade Cajun seasoning works great: 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp cayenne, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt.