Ingredients
To create a flavorful Cajun shrimp pasta without cream, you don’t need fancy ingredients. Here are the key components that build the flavor and texture of the dish:
- Shrimp: Use large, fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined. Shrimp pairs well with the bold spices in Cajun seasoning.
- Cajun Seasoning: A spice blend that typically includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. You can make your own or buy a pre-made mix from the store. Here’s a great recipe for homemade Cajun seasoning spice mix.
- Olive Oil: This serves as the base for sautéing the shrimp and vegetables.
- Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor that enhances the dish.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Replaces cream to create a light sauce while still providing flavor and moisture.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, fresh acidity that balances the spice from the Cajun seasoning.
- Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine are excellent choices for this dish. Their tubular shapes capture the sauce well.
- Optional Vegetables: Bell peppers, tomatoes, and spinach add texture, color, and nutrition.
Instructions
The first step in making Cajun Shrimp Pasta without cream is to cook your pasta. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add your pasta of choice—penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine work well in this dish. Cook the pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Be sure to reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of your sauce later.
While your pasta cooks, focus on the shrimp. Toss the shrimp in Cajun seasoning, making sure each piece is well-coated with the spicy mix. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Sauté for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Overcooking shrimp can result in a tough texture, so keep a close eye on them. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil, followed by minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds. Next, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the broth to reduce slightly, concentrating its flavor. If you’re adding vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes, now is the time to do so.
For a thicker sauce, consider incorporating a cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and cold water) or pureed vegetables to create a creamy consistency without using cream. Understanding how to thicken sauces without dairy can elevate many dishes, including this one. Learn more about how to thicken sauces without cream with these practical techniques.
Once your sauce is ready, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together, ensuring the shrimp and pasta are well-coated with the Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Finish the dish by garnishing it with freshly chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and perhaps a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Serve hot and enjoy the bold, spicy flavors.
Nutrition
- Calories: 280