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Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Cajun Shrimp Pasta

5 from 1 vote
525 Calories | 45g Protein
Quick note before you dive in:
You’ll find a brief overview up top⬆️
and the full recipe and details below⬇️
When you make it, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment : )
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Equipment

Servings: Makes 4

Ingredients
 

Shrimp & Cajun Seasoning

  • 2 lbs raw shrimp
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Olive oil spray

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne pasta

Creamy Spinach Sauce

  • Olive oil spray
  • 1 cup half & half
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cups fresh spinach

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt to create your Cajun blend.
    1 tbsp paprika, 1½ tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt
  • Pat the shrimp dry. Lightly coat with olive oil spray and toss with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
    2 lbs raw shrimp, Olive oil spray
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
    8 oz penne pasta
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and coat with olive oil spray. Add the shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly browned. Transfer shrimp to a plate and reduce heat to medium.
    Olive oil spray
  • Re-spray the skillet lightly if needed. Pour in the half & half, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
    1 cup half & half
  • Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
    ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
    4 cups fresh spinach
  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  • Divide into 4 equal portions and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 525kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 45gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 318mgSodium: 2151mgPotassium: 736mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 4634IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 362mgIron: 3mg