Kitchen Divas

  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work With Us
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work With Us
  • Subscribe
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Work With Us
    • Subscribe
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Main Courses

    Cajun Shrimp Scampi 

    Published: Nov 20, 2024 · Modified: May 10, 2025 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

    Share
    Pin
    Post
    Email
    Share
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Shrimp is one of my favorite proteins, and this Cajun Shrimp Scampi is a recipe I make often. It’s got just the right amount of heat, balanced with a creamy lemon cheese sauce that brings all the flavors together. Think of it as a fun, Cajun-inspired twist on classic Alfredo! We eat a lot of pasta in our house, so this dish has quickly become a family favorite.

    A fork grabbing pasta and shrimp from a white bowl of shrimp scampi.
    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Cajun Style Shrimp Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Variations
    • How to Make Cajun Shrimp Scampi
    • Storage Directions 
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Recipe Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Video
    • More Delicious Shrimp Dishes
    • Cajun Shrimp Scampi Recipe

    The sauce is kept simple, so it doesn’t overpower the Cajun seasoning. For extra heat, I sometimes like to add red pepper flakes, but it’s optional if you want to tame the heat. I also love how the lemon adds a touch of acidity, which really brightens up the dish.

    If you like spicy Cajun recipes, you will love this Cajun Shrimp Pasta and Cajun Chicken Sandwich or check out these kid friendly shrimp recipes!

    Why You’ll Love This Cajun Style Shrimp Recipe

    • Simple recipe: You don’t need to be a chef to make this flavorful, yet easy pasta dish!
    • Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level and other ingredients in this Cajun shrimp recipe to suit your tastes.
    • Budget-friendly: The ingredients are affordable and easy to find, so you can enjoy gourmet flavor without breaking the bank.

    Ingredients

    Below are all of the ingredients to season and cook the Cajun butter shrimp as well as the parmesan cream sauce for the pasta. They are easy to find at the grocery store, so you don’t have to worry about going to a specialty shop.

    Ingredients for Cajun shrimp scampi arranged on a marble surface.
    • Shrimp: Choose larger shrimp for a juicier result. I love x-large or jumbo for this recipe. Ensure they are peeled and deveined before you cook them.
    • Spices: Use your favorite Cajun seasoning blend or make your own. I also love red pepper flakes in this dish, but they’re optional.
    • Olive oil: This oil is used to brown and cook the shrimp. Feel free to use avocado oil if you prefer.
    • Angel hair pasta: I love angel hair in this recipe, but you can use spaghetti or any pasta shape you’ve got on hand.
    • Butter: There’s no need to soften the butter. I use it to saute the garlic and onion, which gives them color and adds fat to the creamy sauce.
    • Garlic and onion: I use red onion for its sharp flavor, but feel free to use white or yellow instead. Be sure to finely chop the garlic and onion so you don’t have large pieces.
    • Chicken stock: The stock adds salt and flavor to the sauce and helps to achieve the right consistency.
    • Cream: To make the sauce perfectly creamy, I use heavy cream. It thickens just enough without making a roux.
    • Lemon: I add fresh lemon juice and zest to brighten up the rich sauce and complement the Cajun flavor.
    • Parmesan cheese: For the best flavor, I recommend freshly shredded parmesan. It also melts into the cream and stock better than pre-shredded.

    See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

    Variations

    • Crawfish scampi: Swap the shrimp for crawfish to create a dish with a flavor similar to lobster.
    • Shrimp and crab scampi: Add crab meat with the shrimp for an ultimate seafood dinner.
    • Add veggies: Add peas, carrots, and broccoli to the creamy shrimp scampi pasta.

    How to Make Cajun Shrimp Scampi

    Here are all of the steps you will need to make Cajun style shrimp scampi pasta. This includes marinating the shrimp and cooking each component before bringing it together to serve. It’s easy and you only need two pans!

    Raw shrimp and Cajun seasoning in a clear bowl.

    Step 1: Marinate the shrimp. Combine the shrimp and Cajun seasoning in a large bowl. Cover and place it in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes to marinate. While the shrimp is marinating, cook the pasta according to package directions.

    Seasoned shrimp cooking in a skillet.

    Step 2: Cook the shrimp. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side. Then, set the cooked shrimp aside on a plate.

    ⭐️ Pro Tip: The shrimp will be pink and form a “C’ shape when they’re done.

    Onions and garlic cooking in butter in a skillet.

    Step 3: Sauté the onions and garlic. Melt the butter in the skillet, and then add the onions and garlic. Cook for about 1-2 minutes or until soft and fragrant.

    Chicken stock and heavy cream added to sauteed onions and garlic in a skillet.

    Step 4: Start the sauce. Lower the heat to medium and pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream. Stir well and scrape up any brown bits at the bottom of the skillet.

    Lemon juice and zest, parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes added to cream sauce in a skillet.

    Step 5: Add lemon, seasoning, and cheese. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and more Cajun seasoning if desired. Then, sprinkle in the parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (optional) and stir until it is well melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

    Pasta and Cajun shrimp added to cream sauce in a skillet.

    Step 6: Combine the components. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce. Finally, add the shrimp and mix together until everything is well combined..

    ⭐ Hint: Reserve 1 cup of pasta water in case you need it for your sauce. It's a great way to thin it out instead of adding more cream or stock.

    If you love easy shrimp recipes like this one, you may also enjoy Bistro Shrimp Pasta, Shrimp Stir Fry or this Coconut Shrimp recipe!

    A pair of tongs sitting in a pile of Cajun shrimp scampi pasta ready to take some.

    Storage Directions 

    • Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I don't recommend freezing leftovers.
    • Reheating: For best results, reheat creamy Cajun shrimp scampi in a skillet instead of the microwave. Add a splash of cream to loosen up the sauce.
    • Make Ahead: Place the shrimp in the refrigerator to marinate before you cook it. You can also cook and cool the shrimp and pasta, and then make the sauce when you’re ready to eat.

    Serving Suggestions

    • Serve this with a tasty vegetable side dish like Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts or Air Fryer Parmesan Green Beans.
    • Soup is great served with pasta. I like this Spinach and Kale Soup and Red Cabbage Soup with spicy shrimp scampi.
    • Crusty bread and Air Fryer Dinner Rolls are my go-to sides for soaking up any extra Cajun sauce for the shrimp.
    A fork pulling some pasta and shrimp out of a white bowl of Cajun shrimp scampi.

    Recipe Tips

    • Pat the shrimp dry: Ensure the shrimp are dried before you marinate them. This will keep them from boiling in the pan so they get a nice color on the outside.
    • Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you don’t have enough room in the skillet, cook the shrimp in batches if needed.
    • Adjust the spice to taste: Use less or more Cajun seasoning based on your desired spice level. I like to taste-test the sauce and adjust as needed.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I use frozen shrimp?

    Yes, however, do not cook them frozen. Thaw them in the refrigerator first, and then pat them dry since they will have a lot of excess moisture.

    Can I use precooked shrimp?

    Raw shrimp are better, but you can use precooked shrimp if it is what you have. They only need to be heated through, so be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.

    Can I make this Cajun-style shrimp recipe gluten-free?

    Absolutely. Try this recipe with gluten-free pasta or “zoodles,” which are made from zucchini.

    Cajun shrimp scampi with pasta in a skillet, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

    Video

    YouTube video

    More Delicious Shrimp Dishes

    • A hand holding a piece of Southern Fried Shrimp with more pieces in the background.
      Southern Fried Shrimp
    • Bloody Mary Shrimp
    • A bowl of rice topped with vegetables, eggs and seasoned shrimp.
      Moo Shu Shrimp
    • Shrimp Potato Corn Chowder

    Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.

    A serving of Cajun shrimp scampi with pasta in a white bowl.

    Cajun Shrimp Scampi Recipe

    Karin and Ken
    This spicy Cajun Shrimp Scampi is an easy pasta dinner recipe perfect for any night of the week. It’s bold and flavorful with a hint of lemon and parmesan.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Cooling Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 -6
    Calories 707 kcal

    Equipment

    • large skillet
    • wooden spoon
    • Pot for boiling pasta
    • colander
    • Tongs or spatula

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
    • 3 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning or homemade Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
    • 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • 16 ounce angel hair pasta or your choice of pasta
    • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
    • 2 teaspoon fresh garlic minced
    • ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
    • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper optional, for extra spicy kick
    • 1 ½ cups chicken stock
    • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
    • 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice juice of 1 lemon
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
    • 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley minced (for garnish)
    • lemon slices for garnish
    • 1 cup pasta water optional
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • In a large bowl, add the raw shrimp and 3 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning (depending on your heat preference) and toss to coat evenly. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
    • While the shrimp is marinating, cook the pasta according to the instructions in the package until al dente. Set aside 1 cup of pasta water (optional).
    • Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated shrimp. Cook until they turn pink and form a C shape, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
    • In the same hot skillet, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, add the red onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
    • Lower the heat to medium. Pour in 1½ cups of chicken stock and 1½ cups of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon for added flavor.
    • Add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, then stir. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more Cajun seasoning.
    • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. Then, add the cooked shrimp and combine everything.
    • Garnish your Cajun shrimp pasta with fresh minced parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately on its own or with crusty bread on the side.

    Video

    Notes

    • Pat the shrimp dry: Ensure the shrimp are dried before you marinate them. This will keep them from boiling in the pan so they get a nice color on the outside.
    • Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you don’t have enough room in the skillet, cook the shrimp in batches if needed.
    • Adjust the spice to taste: Use less or more Cajun seasoning based on your desired spice level. I like to taste-test the sauce and adjust as needed.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 707kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 30gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 186mgSodium: 811mgPotassium: 445mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1964IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 307mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword cajun shrimp scampi, cajun style shrimp, creamy cajun shrimp scampi
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Share
    Pin
    Post
    Email
    Share

    More Main Courses

    • Slow cooker baked beans with sausage being served in a bowl with a fork.
      Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Sausage 
    • Turkey club wrap served in two halves.
      Turkey Club Wrap
    • Big mac egg rolls cut in half and stacked on top a pile of others.
      Big Mac Egg Rolls
    • Big mac sloppy joes in a hamburger bun.
      Big Mac Sloppy Joes

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    Welcome!

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

    More about us

    Most Popular Recipes!

    • A fork holding pieces steak in crockpot next to mashed potatoes on a white plate, garnished with chopped herbs.
      Ribeye Steak in Crockpot
    • Air Fryer Haddock
    • A slice with a fork in it.
      Easy Hobo Casserole
    • A rack of beef ribs in the oven on a piece of parchment brushed with bbq sauce.
      The Best Beef Ribs Recipe

    Discover More Dinner Recipes ➡️

    Summer Favorites

    • A plate of pancake batter fried fish with sauce on the side garnished with lemon slices.
      Pancake Batter Fried Fish
    • A slice of Oreo delight on a white plate garnished with an Oreo cookie.
      No-Bake Oreo Delight
    • A slice of Funfetti ice cream cake on a blue plate.
      Funfetti Ice Cream Cake for Birthdays & More
    • A crispy fried tomato cut it half stacked on top of one other.
      Crispy Fried Tomatoes

    More Easter Sweet Treats and Side Dishes ➡️

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Us

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Kitchen Divas All Rights Reserved