Creamy Cajun Shrimp Linguine
Indulge in the bold flavors of the South with this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Linguine. Inspired by a classic recipe from a 1990's Southern Living Magazine, this dish has been lovingly updated to enhance its rich and spicy profile. The combination of succulent shrimp sautéed in butter and aromatic spices, melded with a luscious heavy cream sauce and perfectly cooked linguine, makes this a satisfying one-dish meal. Perfectly paired with crispy garlic bread, it’s a delightful way to spice up your dinner routine that both you and your loved ones will relish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
linguine
1 lb (uncooked)
large raw shrimp
1 lb (unpeeled and deveined)
butter or margarine
4 tablespoons (melted)
sweet onion
1 medium (chopped)
garlic
2-3 cloves (minced)
cajun seasoning or creole seasoning
1 tablespoon
heavy cream
1 cup
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (freshly grated)
dry crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon
fresh parsley or dried parsley
1/3 cup or 2 tablespoons (chopped or dried)
Instructions
1
Prepare the linguine according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and keep warm.
2
Carefully peel and devein the shrimp, then set them aside.
3
In a large electric skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until bubbly.
4
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
5
Add the Cajun or Creole seasoning to the skillet, stirring it through the onions and garlic. Cook for an additional minute to release the flavors.
6
Introduce the shrimp to the skillet, sautéing until they turn a pale pink, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
7
Pour in the heavy cream, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
8
Gently fold in the cooked linguine, grated Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper. Continue to cook, stirring gently until everything is heated through and well combined.
9
Finally, mix in the chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cajun Shrimp Linguine?
It is a rich and spicy one-dish meal featuring succulent shrimp, linguine, and a luscious heavy cream sauce inspired by Southern cuisine.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for one pound of uncooked linguine prepared according to package directions.
How much shrimp do I need for this dish?
You will need one pound of large raw shrimp that has been peeled and deveined.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe specifies using one medium sweet onion, chopped.
How much garlic is added to the recipe?
The dish requires 2 to 3 cloves of minced garlic.
Can I use Creole seasoning instead of Cajun seasoning?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning or Creole seasoning.
What makes the sauce creamy?
The creaminess comes from a combination of one cup of heavy cream and half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How much butter is required?
You will need 4 tablespoons of butter or margarine to sauté the aromatics.
Is this dish spicy?
Yes, it has a spicy profile due to the Cajun seasoning and the addition of one teaspoon of dry crushed red pepper.
What type of parsley should I use for the garnish?
You can use either 1/3 cup of fresh chopped parsley or 2 tablespoons of dried parsley.
How do I prepare the shrimp?
Carefully peel and devein the shrimp before setting them aside for sautéing.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to prepare the linguine according to the package directions, then drain and keep it warm.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent.
When do I add the Cajun seasoning?
Add the seasoning after the onions and garlic are cooked, stirring for one additional minute to release the flavors.
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
Sauté the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes until they turn a pale pink color.
How long does the heavy cream need to simmer?
The heavy cream should simmer on medium-low heat for about 3 minutes until it is slightly thickened.
What equipment is suggested for cooking this meal?
A large electric skillet is recommended for sautéing and combining the ingredients.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
This dish was inspired by a classic recipe from a 1990's Southern Living Magazine.
What is a good side dish to pair with this linguine?
The recipe suggests pairing the meal with crispy garlic bread.
When should I add the Parmesan cheese?
Gently fold in the grated Parmesan cheese along with the cooked linguine and crushed red pepper after the sauce has thickened.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients required for this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Linguine.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe states you can use 4 tablespoons of either butter or margarine.
Is the linguine added to the skillet while it is still on the heat?
Yes, you fold the linguine into the skillet and continue to cook while stirring until everything is heated through.
Should the Parmesan cheese be fresh?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best results.
When is the parsley added?
The chopped parsley is mixed in at the very end as a fresh finish before serving.
How long is the total simmer time for the sauce?
The sauce simmers for approximately 3 minutes after adding the heavy cream.
What color should the shrimp be when done?
The shrimp should be cooked until they reach a pale pink color.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, the description identifies this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Linguine as a satisfying one-dish meal.
Does the recipe call for pre-cooked shrimp?
No, the recipe specifically calls for raw shrimp that you sauté yourself.
Should I serve the dish immediately?
Yes, for the best quality, the instructions say to serve the meal immediately once combined.