Creamy Cajun Shrimp & Pasta

This recipe has to be one of my favorites!! It was easy too!

Yield: ~2 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 Minutes | Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb wild caught Argentinian shrimp

• 2 servings of pasta, fettuccine, angel hair or spaghetti

• Handful of baby spinach

• 1/4 of a vidalia onion

• 1 cup half and half

• 1/2 bell pepper (I used leftovers of some red and green)

• 2 garlic cloves

• 2 tsp cajun seasoning

• 4 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp cayenne powder (optional if you like spice!)

• Dash of salt, pepper, cumin, and red pepper flakes

• 1 bay leaf and few sprigs of thyme

• Olive oil

• Fresh lemon and lime juice

• Fresh herbs! (I used thyme and cilantro)

• Grated parmesan or mozzarella

Very first, I took my thawed shrimp and seasoned it generously with cajun, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne and some salt and pepper. I recommend squeezing some lime juice too. I let the shrimp marinate while I prepare the rest of the ingredients.

After dicing my onion and peppers, I toss it in a pan on medium-high heat with some olive oil and minced garlic. I also toss in some of the same shrimp seasonings, but don’t overdo it! I let this simmer for a bit until you can start to smell the aroma, about 10 minutes give or take.

While the onion pepper mix is simmering, I started to boil water for my pasta. I just followed the instructions for the cooking time for that pasta. This dish is pretty versatile, so any kind of pasta or even rice would work well.

Now, toss your marinated shrimp into the pan and cook for about 2 minutes. You don’t want to overcook the shrimp because it will cook later with the pasta and creamy mixture.

After the shrimp is cooked a bit, dump the entire mixture out so your pan is left with some remnants of peppers, onions, and juice.

Don’t forget about your pasta! Mine was just about done at this step.

Pour in your cup of half and half. You can used alternative milks too, coconut milk would work great. Stir and add in a generous amount of all these seasonings: cajun, paprika, garlic powder, cumin. Add a bay leaf and fresh thyme and cilantro. I also tossed in a dash of white wine, because wine makes everything better (but not necessary)! Keep stirring until it thickens, and add your cheese (either grated parmesan or mozzarella). Once it is super thick, and aromatic toss the shrimp mix back in with the drained pasta and fresh spinach. Mix all together for about 5-8 minutes and voila!

Serve, garnish with fresh herbs, and cheese. Enjoy!