If you’ve ever longed for a pasta dish that bursts with bold flavors but doesn’t weigh you down, then you’re in for a treat. This Lightened Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly the kind of comfort food that feels indulgent yet fresh and vibrant. Combining tender shrimp spiced with Cajun seasoning, a luscious yet light creamy sauce, and a sprinkle of spinach for color and nutrients, it’s a dish that satisfies your craving for something rich without the heaviness. It’s perfect for impressing guests or making a weeknight dinner feel special with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Lightened Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe involves gathering a few simple ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the plate. Every element is essential — from the perfectly cooked spaghetti for the foundation to the fresh shrimp and creamy Cajun sauce that tie the dish together with delicious harmony.
- Spaghetti: A classic pasta that holds the sauce beautifully and adds comforting texture.
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these add a tender, protein-packed element full of ocean flavor.
- Cajun seasoning: The heart of the dish’s bold spice, divided to layer flavor perfectly.
- Olive oil and butter: These fats help develop a rich base and cook the shrimp to perfection.
- Garlic: Minced for an aromatic punch that wakes up the entire dish.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds sweetness, acidity, and body to the creamy sauce.
- Milk: Keeps the sauce light but creamy, creating a balanced texture.
- Flour: Used to thicken the sauce naturally without heaviness.
- Parmesan cheese: Brings depth and umami, rounding out the sauce with cheesy goodness.
- Baby spinach: Provides a fresh pop of green and nutrition without overpowering the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: A bright garnish that adds a fresh, herby note at the end.
How to Make Lightened Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by preparing your spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This ensures the pasta will have the perfect bite and hold up well when tossed in the creamy sauce later. Once done, drain it and cover to keep warm while you move on to the flavorful elements.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with half of your Cajun seasoning, plus a pinch of salt and black pepper. This pre-seasoning step means the shrimp soak in the spices for maximum flavor – it’s a quick way to ensure each bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pan over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp until they turn opaque and just firm, usually a few minutes per side. Once cooked, remove them from the pan to avoid overcooking and set aside for later.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same pot, add butter and minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant — be careful not to brown the garlic, as it will turn bitter. Then, stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and milk to create the base of your light cream sauce.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
To get that luscious, creamy consistency without heaviness, whisk a small amount of the milk and tomato mixture together with flour to create a roux. Add this back into the pot and whisk continuously until the sauce thickens into a smooth, velvety texture.
Step 6: Add Flavor
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining Cajun seasoning, then let the sauce simmer on medium heat until it’s rich and beautifully thickened. This stage is crucial to balance the creamy sauce with the bold spices before turning off the heat.
Step 7: Combine and Finish
Return the shrimp to the pot along with the cooked spaghetti, tossing to coat everything evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. Finally, stir in the baby spinach, allowing it to wilt slightly, which brightens the dish with fresh green color and subtle flavor.
Step 8: Serve Up
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese before serving immediately. The result is a stunning pasta that looks vibrant and tastes irresistible.
How to Serve Lightened Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple yet beautiful garnish that adds an herbal freshness to the rich flavors. Don’t hesitate to add a bit more Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch or even a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish if you want a little zing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to keep the meal balanced and vibrant. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices make fantastic companions for sopping up any leftover creamy Cajun sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls garnished with whole, sautéed shrimp on top and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. You could also swirl a little extra cream or drizzle of Cajun oil over the plate for a restaurant-quality effect that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Lightened Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe, any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an easy lunch or dinner option once reheated.
Freezing
While the pasta can be frozen, the texture of the creamy sauce and spinach may change slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze leftovers, separate the shrimp and sauce from the pasta for best results and consume within 1 month.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth sauce and ensure the spinach doesn’t get overcooked. Adding a splash of milk while reheating can help bring the sauce back to its silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully with this recipe, feel free to use linguine, fettuccine, or even penne depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Is the Cajun seasoning very spicy?
The Cajun seasoning has a nice kick but is typically balanced with aromatic spices like paprika and garlic powder. You can always reduce the amount or choose a milder blend if you prefer less heat.
Can I substitute heavy cream instead of milk?
For a richer dish, heavy cream can be used instead of milk, but to keep the recipe lightened as intended, milk is recommended. Using cream will increase the fat content and change the texture.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh spinach?
Frozen spinach works fine too—just thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid excess water in the sauce. You could also try kale or Swiss chard, but be mindful they may require longer wilting times.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap out the spaghetti for a gluten-free pasta, and use gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch for thickening the sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt.
Final Thoughts
This Lightened Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a shining example of how you can enjoy a bold, flavorful meal that feels indulgent without being heavy. It’s versatile, straightforward, and absolutely delicious—perfect for sharing with family and friends or treating yourself on any night. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to dishes for a quick, satisfying dinner that’s full of personality and warmth.
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Lightened Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Lightened Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and healthier twist on a classic Cajun dish. Featuring perfectly cooked shrimp tossed in a creamy, mildly spiced tomato sauce with spinach and Parmesan cheese, this recipe offers a satisfying meal that’s rich in taste but balanced in calories. Ready in just 50 minutes, it’s ideal for a comforting family dinner that brings bold flavors without heaviness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (16 oz) box spaghetti
Shrimp & Seasoning
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail off
- ¼ cup Cajun seasoning, divided
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Cooking Fats & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Greens & Garnish
- 1 (8 oz) bag baby spinach
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and keep warm for later use.
- Season Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with half of the Cajun seasoning, plus a pinch of salt and black pepper to ensure they’re well-flavored.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook just until they turn opaque and are cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Make Sauce: In the same pot, add butter and the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and milk to create the base of the sauce.
- Thicken Sauce: To thicken the sauce, whisk together ¼ cup of the milk-tomato mixture with the flour until smooth, creating a roux. Return this mixture to the pot and whisk continuously over medium heat until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer lightly, stirring occasionally until it is nicely thickened and flavorful. Then, turn off the heat to prevent the sauce from over-reducing.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked shrimp and spaghetti back into the sauce, tossing gently to fully coat the pasta and shrimp. Stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt in the residual heat for 1-2 minutes, adding a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Serve: Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its creamy, flavorful best.
Notes
- Use low-fat milk for a lighter sauce without sacrificing creaminess.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spice level according to your preference.
- For gluten-free, substitute the spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour alternative for the roux.
- Fresh parsley can be replaced with basil or cilantro for a different garnish flavor.
- Do not overcook the shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery; remove them from heat as soon as they turn opaque.
