Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Asparagus: A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Delight
This Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Asparagus combines tender shrimp, fresh asparagus, and a creamy Cajun sauce for a flavor-packed meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
If you're craving something with a spicy kick and loads of flavor, this Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Asparagus is for you! Perfectly seasoned shrimp, tender asparagus, and angel hair pasta come together in a creamy, Cajun-inspired sauce. This dish is quick to make and delivers restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cajun shrimp pasta combines the fresh, vibrant flavors of asparagus and tomatoes with the warm, spicy notes of Cajun seasoning. The angel hair pasta is light and delicate, while the creamy sauce ties it all together. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Ingredients and Their Purpose
1 box angel hair pasta: This pasta cooks quickly and is perfect for absorbing the creamy Cajun sauce.
3 tbsp butter: Adds richness to the sauce and brings out the flavors of the onions, garlic, and shrimp.
1 yellow onion, diced: Adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor to the base of the sauce.
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces: Fresh asparagus brings a satisfying crunch and adds a nice pop of green to the dish.
4-5 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with its classic savory aroma and enhances the Cajun flavor.
1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein of the dish, shrimp cooks quickly and absorbs the Cajun seasoning beautifully.
Salt & pepper to taste: Balances and enhances all other flavors.
1 tsp garlic powder: Adds an extra layer of garlic flavor without overpowering the sauce.
Slap Ya Mama seasoning to taste: A Cajun blend that adds spice, warmth, and an authentic Cajun taste. Adjust to your spice preference.
1 10 oz can Rotel mild diced tomatoes and green chilis: Adds acidity and a little heat to the dish, balancing the richness of the cream and cheese.
½ cup half & half: Creates a creamy sauce without making it too heavy, allowing the Cajun flavors to shine.
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese + more for garnish: Parmesan adds a savory depth and creamy texture that makes the sauce rich and satisfying.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Prepare angel hair pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened.
Add asparagus pieces and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the Shrimp:
Add shrimp to the pan with onions, asparagus, and garlic. Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
Season with garlic powder, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
Add the Tomatoes and Cream:
Pour in the can of Rotel tomatoes and green chilis, and stir to mix.
Add the half & half and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to combine with the sauce.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve:
Plate the pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Adjust the Heat: If you love a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more Cajun seasoning to increase the heat.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds a richer, more authentic flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent it from becoming tough. Once they’re pink, they’re done.
Experiment with Veggies: Swap asparagus for other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini if you prefer.
Why You’ll Enjoy This Dish
With fresh asparagus, spicy Cajun seasoning, and creamy Parmesan sauce, this pasta is a true flavor experience. It’s the perfect mix of comfort and spice, making it ideal for anyone who loves a little heat in their food. Plus, it’s quick to make, meaning you can have a gourmet meal on the table in no time.
Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 box angel hair pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Slap Ya Mama seasoning to taste
- 1 10 oz can Rotel mild diced tomatoes and green chilis
- ½ cup half & half
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese + more for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare angel hair pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened.
- Add asparagus pieces and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the pan with onions, asparagus, and garlic. Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season with garlic powder, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- Add the Tomatoes and Cream: Pour in the can of Rotel tomatoes and green chilis, and stir to mix.
- Add the half & half and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to combine with the sauce.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired
Notes
Tips for the Perfect Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Adjust the Heat: If you love a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more Cajun seasoning to increase the heat.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds a richer, more authentic flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent it from becoming tough. Once they’re pink, they’re done.
- Experiment with Veggies: Swap asparagus for other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini if you prefer.
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, this Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Asparagus is a must-try! Save this recipe for your next weeknight dinner and let me know how you enjoyed it in the comments below. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your plate and share it with me—I’d love to see your delicious creation!
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