If you’re a fan of seafood and bold flavors, this Cajun Shrimp Scampi recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Combining the rich, buttery sauce of traditional shrimp scampi with the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning, this dish offers a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring a taste of the South to your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cajun Shrimp Scampi:
- 12 raw shrimp (feel free to adjust based on preference)
- 1 serving of pasta (linguine works best)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/8 teaspoon basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Flour (for thickening)
- Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 cup parsley
- Olive oil
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To prepare this delightful dish, you’ll need:
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside. This ensures that your pasta is ready to be served as soon as the shrimp and sauce are prepared.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base
Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the butter and a drizzle of olive oil, bringing it to a boil. The combination of butter and olive oil provides a rich base for the sauce and helps prevent the butter from burning.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Garlic is a key component in scampi and adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the saucepan. Season generously with Cajun seasoning. The amount of seasoning can be adjusted based on your spice preference. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink on one side, then flip and cook for another minute. Remove the shrimp from the pan, leaving the liquid behind.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Add the heavy cream, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil. Gradually whisk in sprinkles of flour until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. The flour helps to give the sauce a luscious, creamy texture.
Step 6: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and return the shrimp to the pan. Toss the shrimp to coat them evenly with the sauce. This ensures that each bite is packed with flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve the Cajun Shrimp Scampi over the cooked pasta. Top with shredded Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness. For a fresh and vibrant finish, garnish with additional parsley.