Cajun Shrimp Scampi

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Spicy, buttery, and packed with flavor — Cajun Shrimp Scampi is a mouthwatering twist on the classic shrimp pasta. With plump shrimp seared in Cajun spices, then tossed in a rich garlic-butter sauce, this dish delivers a fiery kick that keeps you coming back for more. Served over tender strands of spaghetti or linguine, it’s the kind of recipe that feels both indulgent and comforting, all at once.

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive date-night meal, this Cajun shrimp pasta dish takes under 30 minutes from start to finish. The magic lies in the balance — the bold seasoning of the shrimp, the sharp bite of garlic, a splash of fresh lemon juice, and that silky sauce coating every strand of pasta. One bite, and you’re transported to the heart of Louisiana with every forkful.

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Ingredients for this Cajun Shrimp Scampi

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to heat preference)
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges, for garnish

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Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce later if needed.

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Step 2: Season and Sear the Shrimp

While the pasta is cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them with Cajun seasoning, paprika, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear for about 2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant — careful not to brown the garlic.

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Step 4: Deglaze and Combine

Squeeze in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water (start with ¼ cup) to loosen the sauce. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and stir to coat well in the garlic-lemon butter. Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently mix everything together until warmed through.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh burst of citrus. Pair with crusty bread or a light green salad for a complete meal.

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Storage Instructions

To store leftover Cajun Shrimp Scampi, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

Note: While the dish can be frozen, shrimp tends to change texture once thawed, so for best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated short-term.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving — approx. 1/4 of the recipe)

• Calories: 460
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 1g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Cholesterol: 190mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and portion size.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess water in the pan.

2. Is this dish very spicy?

It has a kick from the Cajun seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat level by using less seasoning or omitting the flakes.

3. What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti and linguine are classics, but fettuccine or angel hair also work well with the buttery sauce.

4. Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or olive oil for a lighter version.

5. How can I thicken the sauce?

Use a bit of the starchy pasta water and let the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes. You could also stir in a small knob of butter at the end for added richness.

6. What sides pair well with Cajun Shrimp Scampi?

Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette are perfect sides.

7. Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?

Definitely! Try sliced chicken breast, scallops, or even tofu for a different spin on the dish.

8. Is it okay to prepare this ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and garlic sauce in advance and quickly cook the pasta when ready to serve.

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