Ingredients
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
If you’re looking for substitutions, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version, or use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, making sure each piece is well coated.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring occasionally. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, and add the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together until well combined, ensuring the pasta is coated with the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
As someone who values efficiency in the kitchen, I recommend prepping all your ingredients beforehand. It makes the process smoother and more enjoyable!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International