Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake

🍤🔥 Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake

Bold, creamy, and packed with flavor—this Cajun shrimp pasta bake is comfort food with a kick. Perfect for busy nights or when you want something impressive but easy.

⏱ Time

Prep: 15 min | Bake: 25 min
Serves: 4–6

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Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
• 1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain.
2. Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning.
3. Sauté shrimp in a large skillet with oil/butter over medium-high heat, 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper 3–4 minutes. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds.
5. Make the sauce: Stir in cream and broth. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan; season with salt and pepper.
6. Combine: Add pasta and shrimp to the sauce; toss to coat.
7. Bake: Transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
8. Garnish and serve hot.

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Tips & Variations

• Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
• Lighter: Use half-and-half and reduce cheese slightly.
• Extra veggies: Spinach or mushrooms work great.
• No-bake option: Skip the oven—just melt cheese in the skillet with a lid.

Creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of heat—this one disappears fast! 😍