If you are on the hunt for a dish that perfectly balances bold flavors, creamy textures, and a little bit of spice, then you have to try this Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe. It’s a fabulous Cajun-inspired meal where tender, spicy blackened shrimp meet perfectly cooked cavatappi pasta, all enveloped in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and excitement to your dinner table, whether it’s a weeknight treat or a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing something special to create the full experience of this Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe. From the pasta’s delightful curls to the smoky, spicy shrimp and creamy Parmesan sauce, every element plays a delicious role.
- 8 oz cavatappi pasta: The spiral shape captures the sauce beautifully, making every bite luscious.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein, offering a sweet and tender contrast to the spices.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the shrimp get that perfect sear and locks in flavor.
- 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning: This spice blend provides the iconic Cajun heat and smokiness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic gives the sauce a fragrant, savory backbone.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously silky sauce without overpowering the shrimp.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty finish that melts perfectly into the cream.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds an extra smoky note to underscore the blackened seasoning.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love an extra kick of heat in their dish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To balance and brighten the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Provides a fresh, herbaceous contrast that lifts the whole dish.
- Juice of ½ lemon: Adds a touch of acidity to cut through the richness and elevate all the flavors.
How to Make Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling salted water and cooking your cavatappi pasta until it’s perfectly al dente—tender but with a bite. This texture is crucial because it holds the creamy sauce without becoming mushy. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the flavorful shrimp and sauce.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with the olive oil and blackened seasoning until they’re evenly coated. This step is where the magic begins, as the seasoning provides that irresistible Cajun spice. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and develop a slight char. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet to rest.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for around 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and black pepper. Let the sauce thicken for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon with a rich, velvety texture.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce
Add the cooked cavatappi and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta and shrimp are fully coated in that luscious cream sauce. For the finishing touch, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley for brightness and color. Give it one last gentle toss before serving warm—this is the heart of the Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe.
How to Serve Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this dish even more. Try a little extra Parmesan sprinkled on top for added cheesiness, or a few whole parsley leaves for a pop of green. A wedge of lemon on the side is also perfect for guests who want to add an extra zing of citrus.
Side Dishes
This Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe is rich and satisfying, so pairing it with lighter sides like a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables makes for a balanced meal. Garlic bread is also a classic companion, especially if you love soaking up every last bit of that luxurious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your dinner guests, serve the pasta in individual wide, shallow bowls to show off the creamy sauce and perfectly blackened shrimp. Another fun idea is layering it in a casserole dish and baking it briefly with extra cheese on top for a bubbly crust—turning this recipe into a comfort-food bake.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two days. Keep in mind that seafood and cream-based sauces taste best when eaten soon after cooking, so try to enjoy the leftovers within that time frame for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe because the cream sauce may separate and the shrimp texture can become rubbery. If you do choose to freeze leftovers, do so separately without the cream sauce, and plan to use the components in cooked dishes where texture is less important.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently to preserve the cream sauce’s smoothness. Warm the dish in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in a splash of cream or milk to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving at high power, which can make the shrimp tough and the sauce separate.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While cavatappi is ideal because its curls trap the sauce so well, you can substitute with other tubular or spiral-shaped pastas like penne, rotini, or fusilli without losing that creamy, spicy goodness.
How spicy is this Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe?
The dish has a moderate level of heat thanks to the blackened seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spice by reducing or omitting the red pepper flakes, or by choosing a milder blackened seasoning mix.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try swapping the heavy cream for a coconut cream or cashew cream substitute, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. This will change the flavor profile slightly but keep the dish creamy and satisfying.
What if I don’t have blackened seasoning?
If you don’t have pre-made blackened seasoning, you can create a simple blend using paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. This mix will still give you that classic Cajun flavor packed with a little heat and smokiness.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
This Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe can be prepped ahead by cooking the pasta and blackened shrimp separately and making the sauce in advance. Combine and warm everything just before eating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe is truly a celebration of bold flavors and comforting creaminess that you’ll find hard to resist. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s the kind of meal that feels special yet comes together quickly and easily. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a beloved staple on your dinner rotation!
Print
Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired, American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi is a flavorful and creamy Cajun-inspired pasta dish featuring tender shrimp seasoned with bold blackened spices, tossed with perfectly cooked cavatappi pasta in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce. This hearty and comforting main course delivers a spicy kick balanced with smoky paprika and fresh lemon, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or special occasion meal that pairs wonderfully with a green salad or garlic bread.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz cavatappi pasta
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Season the shrimp: In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil and blackened seasoning ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they turn opaque and develop a slight char. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta and shrimp: Add the cooked cavatappi pasta and the shrimp back into the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are well coated with the sauce.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Serve the Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the spiciness by increasing or omitting the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- For a lighter alternative, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- This dish complements green salads or garlic bread beautifully for a complete meal.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
