Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi

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Here’s a flavorful and easy-to-make Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi recipe that combines smoky, spicy shrimp with creamy pasta. It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can whip up in no time!

Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • For the Shrimp:
    • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning (store-bought or homemade*)
  • For the Pasta:
    • 12 oz (340g) cavatappi pasta (or any short pasta)
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • ½ cup chicken or seafood broth
    • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional Garnish:
    • Chopped parsley
    • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    • Boil pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Blacken the Shrimp:
    • Toss shrimp in olive oil and blackened seasoning until well coated.
    • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce:
    • Lower the heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
    • Stir in heavy cream and broth, then bring to a gentle simmer.
    • Add Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
    • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
  5. Assemble the Dish:
    • Top the pasta with the blackened shrimp. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh zing.

Tips:

  • Homemade Blackened Seasoning: Mix 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon thyme, and ¼ teaspoon oregano.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
  • Add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.

Enjoy your smoky, creamy, and irresistible Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi!

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