Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake Flavorful and Simple Meal

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If you’re craving a delicious, easy meal, look no further than Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake! This dish combines tender shrimp, creamy pasta, and a kick of Cajun spice for flavor. It’s perfect for busy evenings or entertaining friends. In just a few simple steps, you can whip up a dinner that’s both satisfying and impressive. Ready to dive into this tasty recipe? Let’s get cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Bold Flavors: This dish is packed with zesty Cajun spices that give the shrimp and veggies an incredible kick, making each bite a flavor explosion.
2. Comfort Food: The rich, creamy sauce combined with melted cheese and pasta creates a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
3. Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and quick, allowing you to whip up a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
4. Great for Sharing: With generous servings, this pasta bake is ideal for family gatherings or potlucks, making it easy to feed a crowd.

Ingredients

Main Components

– 8 oz penne pasta

– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 1 cup heavy cream

Vegetables and Seasoning

– 1 red bell pepper, diced

– 1 green bell pepper, diced

– 1 small onion, finely chopped

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cheese and Garnish

– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The main parts of this dish make it rich and tasty. I love using penne pasta because it holds sauce well. The large shrimp add a nice touch. They make each bite feel fresh and light. Heavy cream gives the dish a creamy base.

The veggies bring color and crunch. Red and green bell peppers add sweetness. Onions and garlic give depth to the flavor. Cajun seasoning gives it a kick. You can adjust the spice to your taste. Salt and black pepper finish the seasoning perfectly.

For cheese, I use both cheddar and mozzarella. They melt well and add a gooey texture. The fresh parsley on top adds a nice pop of color and flavor. It makes the dish look bright and inviting.

Gather these ingredients to make a dish that everyone will love. Enjoy the fun of cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

– Boil 8 oz of penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain it and set aside.

Sautéing the Vegetables and Shrimp

– Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet.

– Sauté 1 small chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves until the onion gets soft. This takes about 3-4 minutes.

– Add 1 diced red bell pepper and 1 diced green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the peppers soften but stay crisp.

– Now, stir in 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink.

Combining Ingredients

– Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over the shrimp and veggies. Mix well.

– Taste the mix and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed.

– Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken a bit.

– Gently fold the shrimp and vegetable mix with the cooked penne pasta in a large bowl until well combined.

Baking the Dish

– Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.

– Top with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

– Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

After baking, let it cool for about 5 minutes. Enjoy your delicious Cajun shrimp pasta bake!

Tips & Tricks

Recipe Perfection Tips

– Ensure shrimp are cooked just until pink for best texture.

– Use freshly chopped parsley for garnish to enhance flavor.

To get the best shrimp, watch closely as they cook. Shrimp can turn rubbery if you overcook them. They should change from gray to a beautiful pink color. This means they are done!

Fresh parsley brings a bright taste and color. Simply chop it right before serving. This way, it stays vibrant and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

– Serve in individual bowls for a stunning presentation.

– Drizzle with extra heavy cream for richness.

When you serve this dish in small bowls, it looks fancy. Each person gets their own serving. This makes it feel special!

If you want a creamy touch, drizzle a bit more heavy cream on top. It adds richness and makes each bite feel indulgent. You could even finish off with a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for a pop of flavor.

Variations

Protein Substitutes

You can switch shrimp for chicken or sausage. Both add great taste. If you love seafood, try scallops or crab. These options keep the dish exciting and full of flavor.

Vegetarian Options

To make it meat-free, replace shrimp with mushrooms or other veggies. Zucchini or spinach works well too. For creaminess, use a plant-based cream instead of heavy cream. This keeps the dish rich while making it lighter.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You should consume them within 3-4 days for optimal freshness. If you wait longer, the flavors may fade, and the texture can change. Keeping the dish sealed helps prevent any off-flavors from the fridge.

Freezing Guidelines

You can freeze Cajun shrimp pasta bake for later. Freeze it in individual portions for easy meal prep. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal anytime. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it thoroughly. Make sure it’s heated all the way through to keep the shrimp tender and the cheese melty. Enjoy your homemade dish anytime you want!

FAQs

Can I make Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and bake right before serving. This makes it easy for busy nights. Just cover it and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, pop it in the oven. This saves time and lets the flavors blend well.

Is Cajun seasoning spicy?

Cajun seasoning can vary; adjust the amount based on your spice preference. If you like heat, use more seasoning. If you prefer mild flavors, use less. You can always add a bit more later. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.

What other cheeses can I use?

You can substitute with Gruyere or parmesan for a different flavor profile. Gruyere adds a nutty taste, while parmesan gives a sharp kick. Mixing cheeses can create a unique twist on the dish. Feel free to experiment and discover your favorite blend!

This Cajun shrimp pasta bake combines tasty ingredients for a satisfying meal. We discussed everything from cooking the pasta to baking the dish to cheesy perfection. Remember, you can swap proteins and even go vegetarian. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly! This recipe is flexible, so make it yours. Enjoy the fun of cooking and sharing this dish with other

Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake

A creamy and spicy pasta bake featuring shrimp, bell peppers, and a blend of cheeses.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 unit red bell pepper, diced
• 1 unit green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• to taste unit Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• to taste unit Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
• While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Continue to sauté for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the peppers are tender but still crisp.
• Stir in the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are opaque throughout.
• Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the mixture, stirring to ensure the seasoning coats the shrimp and vegetables evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed.
• Pour in the heavy cream into the skillet and stir well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the shrimp and vegetable mixture, carefully folding everything together until evenly mixed.
• Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top generously with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
• Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

For a stunning presentation, serve the pasta bake in individual bowls. Drizzle with a touch more heavy cream for extra richness if desired.

Keyword bake, Cajun, cheese, pasta, shrimp

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