Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake
Bring bold Cajun flavor to the dinner table with this irresistibly creamy shrimp pasta bake. Tender shrimp are seasoned with Cajun spices and combined with hearty pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, onion, Parmesan, and a luxurious cream sauce. Everything is finished with a generous layer of melted mozzarella and baked until bubbling and golden. It is warm, satisfying, and packed with comforting flavor in every bite.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Ingredients
The Main Ingredients
14 oz (400g) penne or rigatoni pasta
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup whole cherry tomatoes
The Cajun Cream Sauce & Cheeses
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 small yellow or white onion, diced
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup milk or chicken broth
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
The Seasonings & Garnish
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Cook the penne or rigatoni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Reserve approximately ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Season the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry and toss with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, a little black pepper, and smoked paprika.
Sear the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, just until they begin turning pink. Transfer to a plate.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add butter to the skillet. Sauté the diced onion until softened, then add garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Make the Cajun Sauce
Add heavy cream, milk or chicken broth, remaining Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Stir while scraping the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes.
Add the Cheese
Lower the heat and stir in Parmesan and half of the mozzarella. Continue stirring until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning carefully.
Combine the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta and cherry tomatoes to the sauce. Toss gently until thoroughly coated.
Add the Shrimp
Return the seared shrimp to the skillet and fold them gently into the pasta mixture.
Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the top.
Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 15–20 minutes, until bubbling and golden. Broil briefly at the end if you want a deeper golden cheese crust.
Rest and Serve
Allow the pasta bake to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips
Cook Pasta Al Dente
The pasta continues cooking in the oven, so slightly firm pasta gives the best final texture.
Dry the Shrimp
Dry shrimp develop better color and prevent unnecessary liquid from diluting the sauce.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp
A quick sear is enough because the shrimp continue cooking during the bake.
Taste Before Salting
Cajun seasoning and Parmesan may already contain considerable salt, so season the sauce gradually.
Keep Extra Pasta Water
A splash of reserved pasta water can quickly restore a creamy consistency if the sauce becomes too thick.
Use Fresh Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan melts nicely into the sauce and provides a richer flavor.
Don’t Crowd the Skillet
Cook shrimp in batches if necessary to achieve better browning.
Rest Before Serving
A short resting period allows the sauce to settle and makes the pasta easier to portion.
Variations
Spicy Cajun Version
Add cayenne or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Spinach Version
Wilt fresh baby spinach into the cream sauce before adding the pasta.
Bell Pepper Version
Sauté colorful bell peppers with the onion for additional sweetness and texture.
Chicken and Shrimp
Add cooked diced chicken alongside the shrimp for a heartier meal.
Sausage Cajun Bake
Brown sliced smoked sausage before preparing the sauce for an extra smoky flavor.
Extra Cheesy
Add Monterey Jack or provolone with the mozzarella for an especially creamy topping.
Garlic Lovers’ Version
Increase the garlic for a more pronounced garlic flavor.
Tomato Cajun Bake
Add a little tomato paste to the sauce for deeper color and extra savory richness.
Lighter Bake
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and slightly reduce the cheese.
Q&A
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.
What pasta works best?
Penne and rigatoni are excellent choices, but ziti, shells, or fusilli also work well.
Can I replace heavy cream?
Yes. Half-and-half can be used for a lighter result.
Can I use cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them near the end so they only warm through and do not become overcooked.
Why did my pasta bake become dry?
Too much sauce reduction or pasta absorption can cause dryness. Add a splash of reserved pasta water or broth before baking.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate before baking. Allow additional baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, although the creamy sauce may change slightly in texture after freezing and thawing.
What sides go with this?
Green salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, and steamed broccoli are excellent options.
How can I reduce the heat?
Use a mild Cajun seasoning and reduce the quantity slightly. Additional cream and cheese can also soften the heat.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition per serving:
Calories: approximately 650–720
Protein: approximately 35–40g
Carbohydrates: approximately 55–65g
Fat: approximately 32–38g
Saturated Fat: approximately 16–20g
Fiber: approximately 3–4g
Sugar: approximately 5–7g
Sodium: approximately 850–1,100mg
Nutrition values are estimates and vary according to ingredient brands, serving size, and exact amounts used.
Conclusion
There is something incredibly satisfying about pulling a bubbling, golden pasta bake from the oven, and this Cajun shrimp version takes that comfort to another level. Creamy sauce, bold Cajun seasoning, tender shrimp, juicy tomatoes, and plenty of melted cheese make this a dinner everyone will want seconds of. Serve it straight from the oven with a simple salad or crusty bread for a complete and comforting meal.