Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Drain the pasta and set aside.8 ounces penne pasta
- While the pasta is cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season the shrimp generously with salt, pepper, and half of the Cajun seasoning.1 pound large shrimp, salt, freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 pound broccoli florets
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the same skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Do not overcook. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the broccoli.1 pound large shrimp
- Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic, the remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.1 medium yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken.½ cup chicken broth, 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember that Cajun seasoning can be salty, so adjust accordingly.½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt, freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Add the cooked pasta, sautéed broccoli, and cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.8 ounces penne pasta
- Serve the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Notes
This dish freezes well. For reheating, the stovetop method is recommended. Add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce.
