Copycat Chili's Cajun Shrimp Pasta -

5 from 5 votes

Copycat Chili's Cajun Shrimp Pasta

This Copycat Chili's Cajun Shrimp Pasta features creamy alfredo sauce tossed with succulent Cajun shrimp. It's delicious - and easy enough for a weeknight meal!

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Cajun

Keyword: cajun, chili's, creamy pasta sauce, pasta, shrimp

Servings: servings

Calories: 680kcal

Ingredients

8 oz. penne pasta
16 oz. large shrimp peeled and deveined
2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning divided (see note)
½ Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp unsalted butter divided
1½ tsp minced garlic
¼ tsp black pepper
2 Roma tomatoes diced
1¼ cups heavy whipping cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for garnishing
1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Using a large pot, cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain pasta and set aside. (Tip: Reserve ½ cup of pasta water for later.)
Meanwhile, toss shrimp in 1 Tbsp of Cajun seasoning.
Using a large skillet, add olive oil and 1 Tbsp of butter; place skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add shrimp and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until shrimp are fully cooked (i.e. no longer translucent). Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Add remaining 1 Tbsp of butter to skillet. Once butter has melted, add garlic. Sauté for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
Add black pepper and diced tomatoes; stir until well combined. Continue sauteing for 2-3 minutes.
Add the remaining 1 Tbsp of Cajun seasoning, heavy cream and Parmesan cheese; stir until well combined.
Bring mixture to a simmer and then reduce heat to medium-low. Continue simmering for 2-3 minutes, or until mixture thickens noticeably. (Note: The longer you simmer the sauce at this stage, the thicker it will become.)
Add cooked pasta and cooked shrimp to skillet; stir until well combined. Continue sauteing for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. (Tip: If sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water.)
Divide pasta into bowls and top with chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

If you want to make your own Cajun seasoning, use 1 Tbsp paprika, ½ Tbsp garlic powder, ½ Tbsp dried oregano, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp kosher salt and ¼-½ tsp cayenne pepper (depending on taste preference).

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