30-Minute Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

This 30-minute creamy Cajun shrimp pasta recipe is bold, buttery, and full of flavor. With a rich cheesy sauce, sautéed peppers, and perfectly seasoned shrimp, it’s a quick and easy dinner the whole family will love.

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in regular rotation. It’s my go-to when I want something that’s comforting that also has a little bit of spice. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant (which also makes it a great option when you’re entertaining!). With perfectly cooked shrimp, tender spaghetti noodles, and a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together in just about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. 

Making this easy Cajun shrimp pasta is a breeze and only takes around 30 minutes! You’ll start by boiling the noodles while you prep the rest of the ingredients. Sear the seasoned shrimp in the garlicky butter, then add the bell peppers for color and crunch. The sauce is rich and creamy (thanks to cream cheese, milk, and parmesan), and combines perfectly with the bold Cajun seasoning. Once the pasta is tossed in and everything is coated in sauce, it’s ready to serve. Want to add something a little extra? Sprinkly extra parmesan on top — it’s the perfect finishing touch.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

• This shrimp pasta recipe is quick and easy to make, and it comes together in just 30 minutes.
• Easy Cajun shrimp pasta is packed with bold Cajun flavor that adds a delicious kick to every bite.
• The creamy, cheesy sauce makes it the ultimate comfort food.
• It uses simple pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand.
• The spice level is easy to adjust, making it a kid-friendly option the whole family can enjoy.
• It’s a great way to use frozen or pre-cooked shrimp for a fast, flavorful meal.

Ingredients For Easy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

• 8 oz. Spaghetti noodles
• 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
• 3 1/2 tsp. Cajun seasoning more or less to taste
• 1 lb. shrimp, patted dry if using frozen, thaw first
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, sliced

How to Make This Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al-dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season both sides of shrimp with Cajun seasoning.

Step 3: In a large skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute. Add sliced bell peppers, salt, and pepper, sauté until slightly tender.

Step 4: Once peppers are tender, add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until shrimp is slightly pink. Do not overcook shrimp.

Step 5: Add milk and cream cheese to skillet and stir until cream cheese has melted.

Step 6: Add cooked spaghetti noodles and parmesan cheese to skillet and stir to combine. 

Step 7: Serve immediately with more grated parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

What to Serve/Pair with 30 Minute Shrimp Pasta

I like to serve this pasta dish with a veggie, bread, and a salad. For the veggie, I either go with steamed broccoli or these stovetop honey glazed carrots. My absolute favorite bread recipe for a busy weeknight (that goes with just about anything!) is this one for Easy 30 Minute Dinner Rolls. They are delicious dipped into the sauce from this pasta! For the salad, you can go with a basic green salad with dressing, or if you feel like doing something a little bit fancier, something like this Strawberry Spinach Salad.

Popular Substitutions & Additions

Feel free to use any of your favorite pastas in place of the spaghetti noodles!

While this is technically a shrimp recipe, technically you could swap the shrimp for grilled chicken or andouille sausage

Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for more heat

Want to add your veggies right into the pasta? Stir in spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies

For a thicker, richer sauce, use half and half instead of milk.

Storage & Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce. This creamy Cajun shrimp pasta is best fresh but can be frozen for up to 2 months—just note the texture of the pasta may change slightly after thawing.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta FAQs

Can I make this pasta with frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking

Is this dish very spicy?

The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning. Start with less and add more to taste if needed.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp in this Cajun pasta?

You can—just add them at the end to heat through, rather than cooking them with the peppers.

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the sauce and pasta ahead of time. Store them separately and combine just before serving for the best texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just make sure your skillet is large enough, or split between two pans.

Other Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

Easy Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Pasta

Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Roasted Butternut Squash Bacon Pasta

Don’t Forget To Come Back And Let Me Know How Your 30-Minute Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe Turned Out!