Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi with Creamy Tomato Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish that features perfectly seasoned shrimp and a rich, cheesy sauce. This recipe combines smoky spices with tender corn and a smooth parmesan cream, making it a satisfying meal for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cavatappi noodles, cooked al dente according to package instructions
• 1 pound large shrimp, raw, deveined, tail removed
• 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 cup (238 g) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ¼ cup (57.5 g) sour cream
• ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained
• Green onion, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, season the shrimp evenly with the blackened seasoning. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through until shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a low simmer, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Step 5: Lower the heat to low, then stir in the tomato paste, sour cream, and grated parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta, cooked shrimp, and drained corn to the sauce in the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
7. Step 7: Garnish with chopped green onion before serving. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi!

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when seasoning the shrimp.
• Use fresh corn instead of canned for a sweeter, more vibrant flavor when in season.
• Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier sauce and added protein.
• Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure they sear properly.

What can I substitute for cavatappi noodles?

Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini will work well in this dish if cavatappi is unavailable.

Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi with Creamy Tomato Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 700 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi is a creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring perfectly seasoned blackened shrimp, tender cavatappi noodles, and a rich sauce made with heavy cream, tomato paste, sour cream, and parmesan cheese. Sweet corn adds a pop of sweetness while green onions provide a fresh garnish. This dish combines bold Cajun-inspired shrimp seasoning with comforting Italian pasta in a quick and easy skillet meal.

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Ingredients

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Pasta

• 8 ounces cavatappi noodles (cooked al dente according to package instructions)

Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, raw, deveined, tail removed
• 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Sauce

• 1 cup (238 g) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ¼ cup (57.5 g) sour cream
• ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained

Garnish

• Green onion, chopped

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Instructions

1. Cook noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente, approximately 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Season shrimp: While the noodles are cooking, evenly coat the raw shrimp with the blackened seasoning and set aside.
3. Melt butter and cook shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the unsalted butter. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through until shrimp are cooked through and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate and keep warm.
4. Add and simmer cream: Using the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Bring it to a low simmer, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate flavor.
5. Add tomato paste, sour cream, and parmesan: Reduce heat to low and stir in tomato paste, sour cream, and grated parmesan until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Toss pasta, shrimp, and corn in sauce: Add the cooked cavatappi noodles, cooked shrimp, and drained sweet corn to the sauce. Toss everything gently to coat evenly with the creamy sauce.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the pasta for a fresh touch and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• For best results, do not overcook the shrimp or noodles to maintain perfect texture.
• Adjust blackened seasoning amount to taste if you prefer more or less spice.
• Parmesan cheese adds depth and creaminess; substitute with pecorino romano for a sharper flavor if desired.
• You can substitute canned corn with fresh or frozen corn if preferred, just ensure it’s drained.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American with Cajun influence

Keywords: Blackened Shrimp, Cavatappi Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Cajun Shrimp, Easy Dinner, Shrimp Recipe