Crockpot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta: 7 Bold Weeknight Wins

Why Make This Recipe

Crockpot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a fantastic choice for a busy weeknight dinner. It combines bold flavors with comforting pasta and shrimp. This dish is easy to make, requires minimal effort, and cooks itself while you attend to other tasks. Plus, you can enjoy the rich, creamy sauce that ties all the ingredients together. It’s a delicious meal that the whole family will love!

How to Make Crockpot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

  1. In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
  2. Add bell pepper, onion, garlic, and diced tomatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Top with cream cheese and pour in heavy cream. Do not stir.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours.
  5. Stir the sauce gently to combine, then add shrimp to the slow cooker. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
  6. While shrimp cooks, boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  7. Once shrimp is cooked, stir in Parmesan cheese. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly in the creamy Cajun sauce.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Serve this dish straight from the slow cooker for a warm, filling meal. You can sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for an added flavor boost. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner experience. This makes a perfect meal for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.

How to Store Crockpot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream to loosen the sauce as needed.

Tips to Make Crockpot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

  • Make sure the shrimp are cooked just until pink to avoid overcooking.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your taste.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
  • If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Variation

You can substitute shrimp with chicken or sausage for a different protein option. Additionally, you can use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just add them directly to the slow cooker without thawing.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep everything ahead of time. Just follow the recipe and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to cook.

What can I serve with this pasta?
It pairs well with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or even sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Delicious bowl of Crockpot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta garnished with fresh herbs

Crockpot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

A delicious, creamy shrimp pasta dish made in the slow cooker with bold Cajun flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Cajun, Southern
Servings 4 servings
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the shrimp and sauce

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat) Add according to taste
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For mixing in after cooking
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the pasta

  • 8 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
  • Add bell pepper, onion, garlic, and diced tomatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Top with cream cheese and pour in heavy cream. Do not stir.

Cooking

  • Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours.
  • Stir the sauce gently to combine, then add shrimp to the slow cooker. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
  • While shrimp cooks, boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Once shrimp is cooked, stir in Parmesan cheese. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly in the creamy Cajun sauce.

Serving

  • Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Notes

Make sure the shrimp are cooked just until pink to avoid overcooking. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your taste. Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g
Keyword Cajun Pasta, Creamy Shrimp Pasta, Crockpot Shrimp Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe, Family Dinner
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