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5 from 4 votes

Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Easy to make tender cajun shrimp tossed in with cajun-style tomato base with whole wheat pasta. Ready in 30 minutes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Low Fat
Servings: 4
Author: Rena

Ingredients

Shrimp

  • 1 lb medium raw shrimp shelled & deveined
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tsp olive oil

Pasta:

  • 8 oz gluten free penne pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3-4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 red onion diced
  • 2 bell peppers diced
  • 1 tbsp cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder or to taste
  • 14 oz crushed tomatoes one can
  • 1 lime juice and zest
  • Kosher salt and ground pepper to taste
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

  • Bring a medium pot of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, place the shrimp into a ziploc bag and add in the cajuns seasoning and oil. Stir through the bag to completely coat the shrimp with the spices.
  • Heat a large rimmed pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-4 minutes. Set aside.
  • To the same pan add 1 tbsp of oil and saute the garlic for 1 minute.
  • Stir in the onion, bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until veggies soften.
  • Stir in the cajun seasoning plus chili powder, and cook for 1 minute more, or until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, juice and lime zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to mild.
  • Stir in the cooked pasta and the shrimp, and top with grated parmesan and chopped parsley.

Notes

  • Use any pasta of choice. For a healthier option, use lentil or chickpea pasta.
  • You may use fresh tomatoes, or make your own crushed tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes.
  • Shrimp: use raw shrimp if you can use cooked shrimp. If you don't like shrimp, use a different protein like chicken breast.
  • Cook the pasta to al dente since it will be cooking again along with the shrimp and sauce. Do not overcook the pasta.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

Nutrition

Calories: 506kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 299mg | Sodium: 1397mg | Potassium: 686mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 4198IU | Vitamin C: 100mg | Calcium: 452mg | Iron: 5mg