Go Back
For this tasty dish, gather the following: - 8 ounces penne pasta - 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (choose red or green for added color) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh, drained if canned) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When cooking, it's key to measure ingredients correctly. Here’s a simple guide to help: - Pasta: Use 8 ounces, which equals about 2 cups when dry. - Shrimp: One pound is roughly 20-30 medium shrimp. - Cajun seasoning: A tablespoon is about 15 grams. - Olive oil: One tablespoon equals about 15 milliliters. - Onion and bell pepper: A small onion is usually about 4 ounces. - Garlic: Two cloves equal about 6 grams. - Heavy cream: One cup is 240 milliliters. - Cheddar cheese: Use one cup, which is about 4 ounces when shredded. - Diced tomatoes: One cup equals about 240 grams. - Parmesan cheese: Half a cup is around 2 ounces when grated. If you need to swap out any ingredients, here are some ideas: - Pasta: Use any pasta type, like fusilli or rigatoni. - Shrimp: Chicken or tofu works as a protein swap. - Cajun seasoning: Try a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and thyme. - Heavy cream: Use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option. - Cheese: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Gouda. - Parsley: Basil or chives can add fresh flavor too. These swaps keep the dish tasty while fitting your needs. Enjoy cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes cooking smooth and fun. You need: - 8 ounces penne pasta - 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and black pepper - Fresh parsley, chopped Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, the oven is hot and ready for your bake. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until soft. Then, add minced garlic and cook for one more minute. The smell will be amazing! Now it’s time for the shrimp. Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add them to the skillet. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and diced tomatoes. Let this mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. Carefully fold the cooked penne pasta and half of the cheddar cheese into the skillet. Mix until everything is well combined. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly. Now, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and bubbling. When it’s done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with chopped parsley. This adds a fresh touch and a pop of color. Enjoy your tasty Cajun shrimp pasta bake! To cook shrimp just right, start with fresh or thawed shrimp. Peel and devein them first. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Look for that lovely pink color. Don’t overcook! Shrimp can turn rubbery quickly. When cooking penne pasta, use a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil before adding the pasta. Follow the package instructions, but check a minute early. You want it firm yet tender, known as al dente. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy when you bake it. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside. To boost the flavor, sauté the onion and bell pepper until they soften. This step adds a sweet touch. Don’t forget the garlic! Adding it last keeps its strong flavor. For creaminess, use heavy cream and mix in diced tomatoes. Top with cheddar and Parmesan cheese for a rich, cheesy crust. A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end brightens the dish and adds color. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Make sure to cook the penne pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb some of the sauce for the best texture. Fresh Shrimp Flavor: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp instead of frozen, and be sure to season them just before adding to the skillet. Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a gooey texture. Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance; assemble it and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking for a quick weeknight meal. {{image_4}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of this dish. Swap shrimp for veggies like mushrooms or zucchini. These veggies add texture and flavor. Use the same Cajun seasoning to keep that spicy kick. You can also add spinach or kale for added nutrients. This way, you keep the dish hearty and satisfying, even without meat. If you are not a fan of shrimp, try chicken or sausage. Cook the chicken until it is golden and switch it for shrimp in the recipe. For sausage lovers, use spicy or mild sausage, sliced thin. This adds different flavors and textures. Both options work well with the creamy sauce and pasta. Cheese plays a big role in this dish. If you want a lighter option, use low-fat cheese. You can also try different cheese types. Gouda or Monterey Jack can give a unique twist. For a dairy-free version, use vegan cheese. Just make sure it melts well to create that gooey top. This lets you enjoy the dish while sticking to your needs. To store leftover Cajun shrimp pasta bake, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. To reheat, use the oven for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until warm throughout. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last five minutes. To freeze, cut the pasta bake into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. This method keeps it fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or running them under cold water. Thawed shrimp cook the same way as fresh shrimp. This makes it easy to whip up this dish anytime. This dish pairs well with several sides. A fresh side salad adds crunch and freshness. Garlic bread is another great choice for soaking up the creamy sauce. You can also serve it with steamed veggies for some extra color and nutrients. The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. Most blends have a nice kick but are not too hot. If you prefer a milder dish, use less seasoning. If you love heat, add more! It's all about what you enjoy. Cajun shrimp pasta bake is a fun dish, full of flavor. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to make it great. You also learned how to store leftovers for later. Whether you make it with shrimp or try veggie options, this dish works for many tastes. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake

A flavorful and creamy pasta bake with shrimp and Cajun spices, topped with cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing them until they soften, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue to cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant.
  • Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and the diced tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Carefully fold the cooked penne pasta and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the shrimp mixture in the skillet, ensuring everything is well combined.
  • Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
  • Once done, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Keyword bake, Cajun, cheese, pasta, shrimp