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- 8 oz linguine pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) In this recipe, I focus on fresh, vibrant ingredients. The linguine pasta will serve as a hearty base. Shrimp adds protein and flavor, while Cajun seasoning brings a spicy kick. I use high-quality olive oil for sautéing. The onion and garlic provide a fragrant start. Red bell pepper adds color and sweetness. Cherry tomatoes burst with juice, and fresh spinach gives a healthy touch. For the creamy sauce, I choose heavy cream and chicken broth. Salt and pepper enhance the taste. Garnishes like parsley and Parmesan elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise. When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a delightful dish that is both creamy and spicy. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Once the oil glistens, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped. - Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns soft and clear. - Next, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 diced red bell pepper. - Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper is soft and fragrant. - Take 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. - Season the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, plus a dash of salt and pepper. - Add the seasoned shrimp to the pot. - Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring until the shrimp are pink and opaque. - Remove the shrimp from the pot and set them aside in a bowl. - Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. - Add 8 ounces of linguine pasta to the pot, ensuring it is fully submerged. - Cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, while stirring to stop sticking. - Once the pasta is al dente, lower the heat. - Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 cup of fresh spinach. - Allow the sauce to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it thickens and the spinach wilts. - Return the shrimp mixture to the pot. - Gently stir to combine all the ingredients. - Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. - Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. - This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. To ensure your shrimp is cooked just right, keep an eye on the color. Cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Overcooking makes them tough. Always choose fresh shrimp. Fresh shrimp has a sweet flavor and a firm texture. Look for shrimp that smells clean and ocean-like. For the cream sauce, you can alter the thickness based on your taste. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. For seasoning, taste as you go. A pinch of salt or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavor. Don’t shy away from adjusting the Cajun seasoning to your liking. Serving is key to making your dish appealing. Use shallow bowls to show off the creamy linguine. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds color and flavor. Pair this dish with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. {{image_4}} You can switch shrimp with chicken or scallops. Chicken gives a hearty bite, while scallops offer a sweet taste. For a vegetarian option, try mushrooms or tofu. Both add great texture and soak up flavors well. Use firm tofu for better results. Want it milder? Cut back on Cajun seasoning and add a pinch of salt instead. To kick it up, add more Cajun spice or include cayenne pepper. A splash of hot sauce works too! Experiment to find your perfect heat level. If you need gluten-free pasta, choose brown rice or chickpea pasta. These options hold up well in sauce. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Both give a rich taste without dairy. To keep your One Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Linguine fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This will help maintain flavor and texture. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. Allow the dish to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy it later, move the container to the fridge overnight to thaw. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is simple. Use a skillet over low heat for best results. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Stir gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Heat until warmed through, and enjoy! Yes, you can switch the linguine for other pasta types. Some great options include: - Spaghetti - Fettuccine - Penne - Farfalle Each pasta has a unique shape and texture, but they all pair well with the creamy sauce. Look for a few clear signs to know when shrimp is done: - The color changes to pink. - The texture becomes firm and opaque. - It curls into a C shape. These signs ensure your shrimp is perfectly cooked and safe to eat. This dish pairs well with many sides. Consider serving it with: - Garlic bread for dipping in sauce. - A fresh garden salad for crunch. - Roasted vegetables to add flavor. These sides enhance the meal and add variety. Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. Here are some tips: - Store in airtight containers for up to three days. - Keep shrimp separate if possible until ready to eat. - Reheat gently to avoid overcooking shrimp. These steps help maintain flavor and texture when storing leftovers. This blog covered how to make a delicious Cajun shrimp linguine, from ingredients to tips. You learned about the main ingredients, like shrimp and linguine, and how to create a creamy sauce. I offered suggestions for variations and storage, ensuring you can adapt the recipe to your taste. Now, you have the tools to create this flavorful dish at home. Enjoy cooking and impressing yourself and others with your new skills!

One Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Linguine

Indulge in the rich flavors of One Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Linguine! This delicious recipe combines perfectly cooked shrimp, linguine, and a creamy Cajun sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. In just 30 minutes, you can create a satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week. Click through to discover the step-by-step guide and elevate your dinner routine with this mouthwatering dish!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

    Add Flavorful Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bell peppers are tender and fragrant.

      Cook the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Add the seasoned shrimp to the pot, cooking for about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

        Set Aside the Shrimp: Gently remove the shrimp mixture from the pot and set it aside in a bowl for later use. In the same pot, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

          Cook the Pasta: Add the linguine pasta into the pot with the simmering chicken broth. Ensure the pasta is completely submerged. Cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

            Create the Creamy Sauce: Once the pasta reaches al dente texture, lower the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the spinach wilts.

              Combine Everything: Return the shrimp mixture to the pot, thoroughly mixing everything until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.

                Melding the Flavors: Remove the pot from heat and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy Cajun shrimp linguine in shallow bowls. For an appealing finish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top, enhancing both flavor and visual allure.