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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Recipe by Shobhana Haldar on InstagramAdded 15 November 2026.

20 minutes to prep, 20 to cook. A weeknight-friendly pasta dish that pairs succulent Cajun‑spiced shrimp with a luxuriously creamy, garlicky sauce. Smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs give it a smoky, spicy kick, while the reserved pasta water creates a silky coating that clings to every strand of spaghetti.

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Method

  1. Marinate the shrimp with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herb mix, paprika, black pepper powder, salt and olive oil; let it sit for 20 minutes.

  2. Cook the spaghetti in well‑salted water until al dente, then reserve 1½ cups of the pasta water before draining.

  3. Combine all Cajun seasoning ingredients (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion salt, red chilli powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, freshly ground black pepper, red pepper flakes) in a small bowl.

  4. Heat a pan and fry the marinated shrimp for 5–6 minutes until cooked through; remove and set aside.

  5. In the same pan melt the butter, add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes.

  6. Add the sugar and let it caramelize slightly.

  7. Stir in the cream, the reserved pasta water, and 1 tbsp of the prepared Cajun seasoning; cook until the sauce thickens.

  8. Add the cooked spaghetti and the shrimp back to the pan; toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated.

  9. Finish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips while you cook

Reserve pasta water before draining
Save 1½ cups of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti for later use in the sauce.
Use the same pan for shrimp and sauce
After frying the marinated shrimp, keep the pan for melting butter and building the sauce to retain flavor and reduce cleanup.
Sauté garlic and onion over medium heat
Cook the minced garlic and finely chopped onion for 3–4 minutes on medium.
Combine cream and pasta water before thickening
Stir the cream together with the reserved pasta water and Cajun seasoning, then cook until the sauce thickens before adding pasta.

Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.

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Watch Shobhana Haldar make it. The video loads from Instagram when you tap.

Shobhana Haldar made this.

The recipe comes from Shobhana Haldar’s Instagram reel. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.

Are you Shobhana Haldar and want this changed? Email [email protected].

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