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Spicy Cajun Shrimp Linguine

A vibrant dish filled with shrimp and linguine in a velvety cheese sauce that brings a taste of New Orleans to your dinner table.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Shrimp Preparation
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 oz linguine pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Garlic toast for serving (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil the linguine in salted water until perfectly tender, then drain. Reserve a splash of pasta water for later.
  2. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and pepper. Let those flavors mingle.
Cooking
  1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet. Add the seasoned shrimp, cooking until they’re golden and slightly caramelized.
  2. In the same skillet, reduce the heat and add minced garlic, heavy cream, milk, Velveeta, and Parmesan. Stir until everything is a silky smooth sauce.
Serving
  1. Toss the drained linguine in the creamy Velveeta garlic sauce. Plate it with the seared shrimp on top and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
  2. Serve with garlic toast, if desired.

Notes

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors. For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes. For a vegetarian option, swap shrimp for sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms. You can also add veggies like spinach or sundried tomatoes, or try different pasta types.