Description
This Lightened Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a lighter and healthier take on a classic dish! Tender shrimp, spaghetti, and a medley of flavors are tossed in a creamy Cajun-inspired sauce with a hint of spice. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 (16 oz) box spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail off
- 1/4 cup Cajun seasoning, divided
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (8 oz) bag baby spinach
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and keep warm.
- Season Shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with half of the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook until opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Add butter and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until fragrant. Stir in diced tomatoes and milk.
- Thicken Sauce: Whisk together ¼ cup of the milk mixture with flour to create a roux. Add the roux back to the pot and whisk until smooth and thickened.
- Add Flavor: Stir in Parmesan cheese and remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer over medium heat until thickened, stirring occasionally. Turn off heat.
- Combine and Finish: Add shrimp and cooked spaghetti to the sauce. Toss to coat. Stir in spinach and allow it to wilt.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preference.
- For a richer sauce, you can use a combination of milk and heavy cream.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can substitute with dried parsley.
- Serve with a side salad or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg