Cajun Shrimp Scampi Recipe: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Dish

The delicious Cajun Shrimp Scampi is seasoned with Cajun spice for a twist on the classic. With the spice of Cajun seasoning and the comfort of a garlic butter sauce, it’s a good choice for lovers of seafood who like things peppery. Spoon over pasta or eat with crusty bread, and you have a satisfying, indulgent meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb 26-30 count shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken stock)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Procedure

Preparing the Shrimp

1. Toss the shrimp in a medium bowl with the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Soak for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add shrimp to skillet; cook, without stirring, for about 2 minutes on each side, or until shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and shell. Take the shrimp out of the pan and shell.

Cooking the Pasta

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

How to Make Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and the remaining olive oil to the cast-iron skillet used to cook the shrimp.
2. For the sauce, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking and stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the white wine (or chicken broth) and bring to a simmer for 2–3 minutes, cooking off the alcohol (which will also help to meld the flavors).
4. Stir in lemon juice and another tablespoon of butter for a richer sauce.

Combining Everything

1. Add the shrimp back to the skillet and stir so they are coated with the sauce.
2. Add the poured-out pasta to the pan and toss it all together through the pudding of garlic butter sauce; the noodles should be well coated.
3. If the sauce is thick, a little of the reserved pasta water will loosen it up.
4. Add the chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese and mix well.

Serving Suggestions

How to Serve: Serve the Cajun Shrimp Scampi right away with more Parmesan and lemon wedges.

Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced dish.

On the side, we have more crusty garlic bread, served to dip in the delicious sauce.

How to Make the Best Cajun Shrimp Scampi

• For the best texture and flavor, use fresh shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, they must be thawed completely.
• For less heat, simply reduce the amounts of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
• Use good-quality pasta, such as linguine or spaghetti, as it catches the sauce nicely.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp, or they’ll become rubbery. Cook until they are just pink and opaque.
• For a punch of flavor, use fresh lemon juice and fresh garlic in the sauce.

Wine Pairing

A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio goes nicely with the Cajun Shrimp Scampi recipe. These wines offset the heat and acidity of the dish and also work with the seafood flavors. And if you’re more of a red wine drinker, a light Pinot Noir can also work well.

Variations and Additions

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Scampi

For a lusher, creamier take on this dish, stir 1/2 cup of heavy cream into the sauce after you’ve incorporated the white wine. Simmer for a couple minutes, until thickened slightly; then add the shrimp and pasta.

Vegetable-Enhanced Scampi

But you could stretch it to add more and/or stretch the entire dish with more veggies, like sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach added in after you cook the shrimp and before the pasta (but before the actual assembly). They also contribute color and nutrition to the dish.

Low-Carb Option

For a low-carb version, serve the Cajun shrimp over zoodles (zucchini noodles) or cauliflower rice instead of pasta. This lightens the dish but doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction.

Instructions for Storage and Reheating

Storage

Store any leftover Cajun Shrimp Scampi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Do not freeze the shrimp; it will become rubbery when thawed.

Reheating

Gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Don’t cook them for too long in the microwave as it will overcook the shrimp and make them rubbery.

Nutritional Information

• Nutritional value per serving: ~450-500 kcal
• Protein: ~30g
• Carbohydrates: ~45g
• Fats: ~20g
• Sodium: ~800mg (depends on seasoning and cheese)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Shrimp

Shrimp is a fast-cooking ingredient, and if you overdo it, you will end up with tough, rubbery results. For optimal results, cook shrimp only until it is pink and opaque.

Over-Seasoning Cajun Style

Cajun seasoning is very flavorful, but too much of it can overpower your meal and make it way too salty. So adjust the quantity as per personal taste.

Not Saving Pasta Water

The starch in pasta water will help the sauce stick to the pasta. If it’s too thick, a splash of pasta water will loosen it to the perfect consistency.

Skipping the Fresh Herbs

Parsley brightens the dish, countering the richness of the sauce. Use only fresh parsley, never dried, for the best flavor.

When to Make Cajun Shrimp Scampi

• Cajun Shrimp Scampi is a meal that will work for a variety of occasions. When to eat such a flavourful meal: Here are a few occasions:
• Date Night: This dish packs in the flavors and could easily be served up for an at-home romantic dinner.
• Family Gatherings: It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be easily doubled for extra guests.
• Weeknight Dinners: It’s an excellent weeknight dinner because it comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Special celebrations: Serve alongside other seafood dishes for an over-the-top holiday or birthday meal.

Conclusion

This Cajun Shrimp Scampi is a fantastic way to marry these two cuisines. Part comforting, part exuberant, this dish comes with a buttery, garlicky sauce and a kick of spice. Whether you serve it with pasta or crusty bread, it’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy enough to prepare at home and suitable for any number of occasions. Since this cuisine is quite versatile, it can be altered to accommodate anyone’s dietary preference as well, making it an excellent spicy and tasty seafood dish for everyone to enjoy!