Cajun Delight Shrimp Pasta: A Flavorful Journey into Cajun Cuisine

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce & Marinade

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed

Seasonings

• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Vegetables & Garnish

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Cooking the Pasta & Vegetables

1. Boil the linguine. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add the linguine, and cook 8‑9 minutes until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining; it will help loosen the sauce later.
2. Sauté the vegetables. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced red bell pepper and cook 3‑4 minutes until just softened. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Brown the shrimp. Increase the heat to medium‑high, add a splash more oil if needed, then place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2‑3 minutes per side, watching for a pink, opaque appearance. Remove and keep warm.