Here’s a bold, flavorful Cajun Shrimp Scampi — buttery, garlicky, with a spicy kick 🌶️🍤
Cajun Shrimp Scampi
Serves: 4
Time: 25–30 minutes
Ingredients
- 400 g (14 oz) linguine or spaghetti
- 500 g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, extra heat)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2️⃣ Season the shrimp
Pat shrimp dry. Toss with Cajun seasoning and a little black pepper.
3️⃣ Sear the shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
4️⃣ Make the sauce
Reduce heat to medium.
Add butter and garlic to the same pan; sauté 30 seconds.
Pour in broth (or wine) and lemon juice. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
Add red pepper flakes if using.
5️⃣ Combine
Return shrimp to the pan.
Add cooked pasta and toss.
Stir in Parmesan and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
6️⃣ Finish
Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Optional Variations
- Add a splash of heavy cream for a creamy Cajun scampi.
- Toss in spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color.
- Serve over rice instead of pasta for a Southern-style twist.
If you’d like, I can also give you a one-pan creamy Cajun shrimp scampi version that’s extra rich and restaurant-style.
