Description

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort dish for anyone who loves bold southern flavors, creamy pasta, and juicy shrimp. Packed with Cajun spice, melty cheese, and a luscious tomato-cream sauce, this bake delivers warmth, richness, and flavor in every bite.

Introduction

If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s both comforting and exciting, this recipe hits the perfect balance. Cajun spices bring heat and depth, the shrimp adds tenderness and sweet seafood flavor, and the creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully. Baking the pasta gives it a golden, bubbly top layer that transforms a simple skillet pasta into a full-on showstopper. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You get the perfect combination of creamy, spicy, and cheesy.
It’s packed with protein from shrimp and enriched with flavorful vegetables.
It’s customizable—adjust the spice, change the pasta, or add extra veggies.
The final baked layer gives a restaurant-quality finish.
It reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.

Ingredients

Shrimp & Pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz spaghetti or linguine, cooked al dente
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup fresh spinach (optional, chopped)

Sauce & Seasoning

1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish

Chopped parsley
Extra Cajun seasoning

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and tender.
Season with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika to infuse deep southern flavor.
Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Cajun Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter.
Add garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking until soft and fragrant.
Pour in the drained diced tomatoes and heavy cream.
Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened and creamy.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Pasta

Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and spinach.
Mix until creamy, smooth, and fully melted.
Add cooked pasta and half of the shrimp, tossing to coat evenly.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer everything into a baking dish.
Top with the remaining shrimp and a little extra cheese.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove from the oven.
Garnish with parsley and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.
Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, spicy perfection.

Variations

Protein Options

Use chicken strips instead of shrimp
Add andouille sausage for an authentic Cajun twist
Combine shrimp + chicken for a “Cajun duo” bake

Pasta Options

Penne
Fettuccine
Rigatoni (holds sauce extremely well)

Creamy Add-ons

Extra mozzarella for more cheesiness
Cream cheese for a thicker, richer sauce
Sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor depth

Veggie Upgrades

Mushrooms
Zucchini
Roasted corn
Green onions

Tips for Best Results

Cook pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when baked
Taste and adjust Cajun seasoning—some blends are spicier than others
Do not overcook shrimp; they stay tender when just pink
For a golden crust, broil the top for the last 1–2 minutes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum creaminess

Storage Tips

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat in a skillet or the oven to keep the texture creamy

Freezer

Freeze before baking: assemble everything, cover tightly, and freeze up to 2 months
Bake directly from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for 35–40 minutes

Meal Prep Friendly

Make the sauce and pasta ahead, refrigerate separately, and combine before baking

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread or cheesy toast
Pair with a simple green salad or Caesar salad
Enjoy with steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables
Finish with lemon wedges to cut through the richness

FAQs

Can I make it less spicy?
Yes—use half the Cajun seasoning and omit red pepper flakes.

Can I make it more creamy?
Add more heavy cream or a spoon of cream cheese.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely—thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Can I skip baking?
Yes—you can serve it straight from the skillet, but baking enhances the flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake is the perfect blend of heat, creaminess, and seafood richness. With its melty cheese, spicy Cajun notes, and golden baked finish, it’s a pasta dinner that impresses every time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy any craving for bold, comforting food.