Description
A comforting and flavorful dish featuring garlic butter shrimp and creamy Cajun mozzarella bowtie pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Once done, drain and set aside.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter with olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until the shrimp turns pink and golden. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds. Drizzle with lemon juice and transfer to a plate.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and milk, then let it simmer for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add softened cream cheese and whisk until smooth. Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Toss in the cooked bowtie pasta until every noodle is coated.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently fold into the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
For best results, use fresh shrimp and do not overcook them. This dish can be made a day ahead; just reheat with a splash of milk if it thickens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: shrimp pasta, Cajun pasta, creamy pasta, family dinner