Shrimp Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Kick

By Laura TideSeptember 15, 2025Updated: September 14, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever get that craving for something seriously comforting and flavourful? Me too! That's when I whip up this shrimp & crab pasta with creamy Cajun sauce.

It's like a hug in a bowl, honestly.

What's the Story Behind This Luscious Pasta?

This Cajun wonder isn't some stuffy, fancy dish. It’s inspired by Louisiana's vibrant food culture. It’s a crowd pleaser, plus easy to make.

This shrimp and crab pasta recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for 4 hungry folks.

Why You'll Absolutely Love This Dish

One of the best things? Seafood is packed with protein. This creamy Cajun seafood pasta is perfect for a special occasion.

Or just a regular weeknight! It's the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and seafood goodness!

Ready to get cooking? Let's check out what we need.

Ingredients: Your Cajun Culinary Arsenal

Alright, you'll need pasta, obviously. Linguine or fettuccine work a treat. Then, get yourself some lovely shrimp. And don't forget the crab meat! Fresh is best, but good quality canned will do in a pinch.

For the sauce, you'll need butter, onions, peppers, celery, garlic, flour, chicken broth, cream, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Cajun seasoning.

Cracking on with the Cajun Shrimp & Crab Pasta

First up, you want to cook your pasta. Get a big pot of salted water boiling. Add the pasta and cook until al dente.

While that's bubbling away, get started on the shrimp and crab. This easy shrimp and crab pasta is a total breeze, you'll see!

Alright, let's get started, yeah? This shrimp & crab pasta with Creamy Cajun Kick is a proper taste of Louisiana.

A little special, a little indulgent, but doable. Easier than a takeaway. It's way more satisfying. We're making some magic.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let’s Get This Show on the Road!

Shrimp Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Kick presentation

So, what do we need for this lush shrimp & crab pasta recipe ? Honestly, nothing too fancy. It's all about the quality of the seafood and getting that sauce just right .

I still remember the first time I tried making a Cajun sauce. Total disaster. Way too spicy! Lesson learned: taste as you go!

Main Ingredients

Pasta: 1 pound (450g) linguine or fettuccine. The long ones are key here.
Water: 8 quarts (8 liters) . For boiling. Salty like the sea, yeah?
Salt: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . In the water for pasta.
Shrimp: 1 pound (450g) large, peeled and deveined. Fresh is best, innit? Quality shrimp = quality Cajun shrimp and crab pasta.
Crab: 8 ounces (225g) lump crab meat. Look for it to be sweet and not too fishy.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
Butter: 1 tablespoon (15g) and 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon .
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Fresh is always best here.
Onion: 1/2 cup (120ml) , diced.
Bell Pepper: 1/2 cup (120ml) , diced (red or green).
Celery: 1/4 cup (60ml) , diced.
Flour: 2 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose.
Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240ml) .
Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) . Key for that creamy Cajun seafood pasta!
Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Adds a bit of umami, you know?
Cajun Seasoning: 2 teaspoons . store-bought or homemade.
Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For extra heat.
Parsley: 2 tablespoons , chopped, for garnish.
Lemons: For serving.

Seasoning Notes: Bangin' Flavors

This ain't your average pasta sauce, right? Cajun spice is the heart of the spicy shrimp and crab pasta. Experiment with different blends till you find one you love! No Cajun seasoning? No worries! A mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano will do the trick.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

Large pot for pasta
Large skillet or sauté pan.
Colander.
Wooden spoon or spatula.

That's it! You don't need any crazy gadgets to make this easy shrimp and crab pasta . A simple skillet and a pot will do.

Get all this together and homemade Cajun pasta recipe can be yours! Are you ready to whip up some culinary magic? I know I am! This is going to be fab!

Alright, let's get this lush Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Kick prepped! It's easier than ordering a takeaway! We're making Cajun Shrimp And Crab Pasta tonight!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Innits

Right, before we start sizzling, let's get our ducks in a row, yeah? This is the essential mise en place.

First, chop your onion , bell pepper , and celery . Mince that garlic and don’t be shy with it.

Seriously, the garlic is life. Get your pasta water on to boil!

Next, get your shrimp peeled and deveined. No one wants a sandy surprise, honestly. Check that crab for shell bits.

Nobody wants to bite into shell when they’re expecting lush crab , you know?

Finally, a little safety reminder : Keep separate chopping boards for seafood and veggies to avoid cross contamination. You don't wanna end up poorly, guv'nor!

step-by-step to Cajun Seafood Magic

Here’s how we turn these ingredients into the creamy, spicy dream that is our Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce:

Boil 8 quarts of salted water. Add 1 pound of pasta and cook till al dente. Reserve some pasta water.
Sauté the aromatics: onion, bell pepper, and celery in butter till softened. Add that minced garlic and cook till fragrant.
Stir in 2 tablespoons flour, then whisk in 1 cup chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Add your tomato paste , Worcestershire sauce and Cajun seasoning . Simmer until thickened, about 5- 7 minutes.
Sauté 1 pound shrimp with garlic, salt, pepper in olive oil and butter in another pan for 2- 3 minutes per side until it turns pink. Add 8 ounces crab and heat gently.
Toss cooked pasta with the sauce, shrimp and crab. The Creamy Cajun Seafood Pasta is ready! Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pasta Game

Honestly, here's a tip: don’t overcook the shrimp. Rubber shrimp are the devil's work. Cook them until they're just pink and opaque.

Common mistake: Not tasting as you go! Adjust that Cajun seasoning. Want more heat? A pinch of cayenne fixes that right up.

This is where you make it your own version of Homemade Cajun Pasta recipe , innit?

And, hey, want to make things easier? The sauce can be made a day ahead . Just reheat it before tossing with the pasta and seafood.

It'll taste even better, I promise. You can whip up this Easy Shrimp And Crab Pasta in no time on a weeknight.

This Spicy Shrimp And Crab Pasta will be the highlight of your week. Get to cookin'!

Recipe Notes to elevate Your Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Kick

Right, so you're about to make this amazing shrimp & crab pasta with creamy Cajun sauce. Ace! Before you dive in, let's chat about some extra bits to make sure yours is spot on .

These are just a few tips from yours truly that will make it easier to recreate.

Serving Suggestions that are Cajun Approved

Okay, so presentation. For a casual vibe, pile the creamy Cajun seafood pasta high in bowls. Garnish with loads of fresh parsley.

A fancy night in? Twirl the pasta into nests on plates. Drizzle extra sauce around, and add a lemon wedge.

For sides? Garlic bread is a must . Also, a green salad cuts through the richness. Drink wise, a crisp white wine is always a winner.

Storage Tips to Keep the flavour of your Creamy Cajun Seafood Pasta

Honestly, this homemade Cajun pasta recipe is best fresh. But, life happens. If you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container.

They'll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing? It's not ideal, but it can be done.

The sauce might separate a bit when thawing. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Variations to the Shrimp and Crab Pasta Recipe

Want to change it up? Go wild! For a gluten-free version, use your fave gluten-free pasta. For a lighter take, sub some of the cream with milk.

You can also try swapping bell peppers depending on what's in your fridge! Honestly, I had a friend that once created a spicy shrimp and crab pasta for her hubby and that was a success!

Nutrition Facts About the Shrimp and Crab Pasta

Alright, listen up. This Louisiana seafood pasta is lush, but it's also got some good stuff. Shrimp and crab are packed with protein.

The sauce has calcium from the cream. Just remember, the creamy sauce is rich, so enjoy in moderation. Roughly, you're looking at around 700 calories per serving.

Listen, making this easy shrimp and crab pasta is all about having fun and experimenting. Don't be afraid to get stuck in and adjust the recipe to your taste.

You might even surprise yourself with the results! After all, cooking is all about passion and that's how I came up with the Cajun Shrimp And Crab Pasta .

Now get in the kitchen and get cooking!

Cajun Shrimp And Crab Pasta The Ultimate Comfort Food

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make shrimp & crab pasta with this recipe ahead of time?

While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some components ahead of time! The Cajun sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Cook the pasta just before serving to avoid it becoming mushy, and gently reheat the shrimp and crab in the sauce.

Just remember, reheating seafood can sometimes make it a bit tougher, so aim to gently warm it through, rather than cooking it further.

What's the best way to store leftover shrimp & crab pasta with creamy Cajun kick?

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Just like reheating, avoid extended heating of seafood.

I'm not a fan of spice. How can I reduce the heat in this shrimp & crab pasta with creamy Cajun sauce?

No worries, spice is optional! Omit the cayenne pepper entirely, and start with half the amount of Cajun seasoning called for in the recipe. Taste as you go and add more Cajun seasoning to your liking, but remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!

If you're using a store-bought Cajun seasoning, check the ingredients list as some brands are spicier than others.

Can I substitute any of the seafood in this recipe?

Absolutely! If you're not a fan of crab, you could use all shrimp, or substitute with scallops or even lobster meat for a more luxurious dish. Feel free to adjust the quantities too, if you prefer more shrimp than crab, go for it! Cooking is all about making it your own, innit?

Is shrimp & crab pasta with creamy cajun sauce healthy?

That's a loaded question! While delicious, this dish is fairly rich due to the cream and butter in the sauce. You can lighten it up by using half and-half instead of heavy cream, or by adding extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini.

Also, portion control is key - a moderate serving alongside a big green salad will help balance things out. As always, it's important to consider this in the context of your overall diet.

What kind of pasta works best with shrimp & crab pasta with creamy cajun sauce?

Linguine or fettuccine are classics because their long, flat shape beautifully catches the creamy sauce. However, don't be afraid to experiment! Penne or rigatoni would also work well, as their ridges help hold onto the sauce. Ultimately, it's down to personal preference - use whatever pasta you enjoy most!

Shrimp Crab Pasta With Creamy Cajun Kick

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Instructions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Add crab meat and heat through gently, about 1 minute. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Remove shrimp and crab from the skillet and set aside.
Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Stir in heavy cream, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta, shrimp & crab pasta with cajun sauce, to the skillet with the Cajun sauce. Toss gently to coat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.