Take your classic shrimp scampi up a notch with a Cajun twist! This dish combines the zesty flavors of Cajun seasoning with the buttery richness of shrimp scampi. Perfect for weeknight dinners or an indulgent weekend meal, Cajun shrimp scampi is packed with bold flavors and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Scampi:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth for non-alcoholic)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Steps to Make Cajun Shrimp Scampi
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season the Shrimp:
- Toss the shrimp in Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Sear the Shrimp:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cajun Scampi Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and olive oil. Sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan by pouring in the white wine (or chicken broth) and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the lemon juice and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Combine the Pasta and Shrimp:
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles in the Cajun scampi sauce.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the Cajun shrimp scampi to serving plates and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with a wedge of lemon on the side.
Tips for Perfect Cajun Shrimp Scampi
- Control the Spice: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so be sure to remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink.
- Pairing Options: Serve with crusty garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold and Flavorful: The Cajun seasoning adds a delicious twist to classic shrimp scampi.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Use your favorite pasta or swap shrimp for chicken for a variation.
- Elegant Yet Simple: Impress your family or guests with this restaurant-quality dish.
Cajun shrimp scampi is the ultimate fusion of spicy, buttery, and tangy flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea or an impressive dish to serve guests, this recipe is a winner. Try it today for a taste of bold, comforting goodness!
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