Spicy Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi is a bold, flavor-packed pasta dish featuring tender shrimp coated in Cajun seasoning, perfectly al dente cavatappi pasta, and a creamy, spicy sauce. This recipe is ideal for a quick, satisfying dinner or an impressive date-night meal.
Ingredients
For the Blackened Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun or blackened seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Cavatappi Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) cavatappi pasta
- 4 cups water (or as needed for boiling)
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cavatappi pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Coat evenly with Cajun or blackened seasoning.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter. Once the butter melts, sear the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add olive oil, garlic, and shallots. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in heavy cream, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the sauce thickens slightly (about 3-5 minutes).
- Combine:
- Add the cooked cavatappi to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, use reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, to reach the desired consistency.
- Gently fold in the blackened shrimp.
- Serve:
- Transfer the Spicy Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi to serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips:
- Cajun Seasoning: If you prefer a homemade mix, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and black pepper.
- Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with chicken or scallops for variety.
- Add Veggies: Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes make great additions to this dish.
Enjoy the creamy, spicy comfort of this pasta dish!