Cajun Shrimp Scampi

Under an Hour Meals

I love a classic shrimp scampi but this mix-up with cajun seasoning is one your family will not soon forget. It is definitely a crowd-pleaser. It's cheesy, creamy, and just a little bit spicy. It is the perfect family meal.

Any meal that can be on the table in under an hour, like 15-Minute Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil or Chicken Breast in Lemon Butter Sauce, is a family meal that works for us. Weekday meals can be really hard, and sometimes we sacrifice taste for time. Not with cajun shrimp scampi. Everyone will love this comfort dish!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Shrimp. Scampi is typically made with shrimp, but you can definitely substitute lobster, crab, or scallops. I would definitely do a combo too.
• Cajun Seasoning. I love homemade, but you can use your favorite from the store. Check out our homemade cajun seasoning recipe, it's really easy and you probably have all the ingredients right on your shelf at home.
• White Wine. I always like to cook with sauvignon blanc or an unoaked chardonnay. Remember, if you wouldn't drink it, don't put it in your food. You want to cook with a decent quality wine.
• Pasta. Shrimp scampi is really meant for long pasta. Linguine or spaghetti work well but for a creamy sauce like this, try fettuccine or mafalde.

*Please see the recipe card below for more information on ingredients.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Start by seasoning and marinating the shrimp. I like to marinate the shrimp in the fridge for an hour but 15 minutes will work.

Step 2: Add 2 tablespoon of olive oil to a large saucepan on medium heat. Place shrimp evenly across the saucepan, you may have to do this in batches.

Step 3: Saute for 1-2 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: If there is no olive oil remaining, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Then add the garlic to the pan and saute for 30 seconds. Squeeze in the juice from the lemon and pour in the white wine. Simmer for 5-10 minutes or until reduced by half.

Step 5: Stir in the cold butter until melted.

Step 6: When you mix in the butter, it should emulsify with the sauce. If you feel like the butter is separated, add the pasta water and stir for a minute until it comes back together.

Step 7: Remove the sauce from the stovetop. Stir in ½ cup of pasta water and then stir in the heavy cream slowly. Stir in the parmesan until completely combined and top with chopped parsley.

Step 8: Add the shrimp back into the sauce to warm.

Step 9: The sauce may appear to be slightly thin. Once you combine it with the pasta and it cools slightly it will thicken right up. Stir the sauce and pasta for a few minutes once combined.

This delicious southern take on an Italian classic is one that you'll make on repeat. It's a comfort dish like some of my other southern-based recipes like Italian Fried Green Tomatoes or my Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich and is a guaranteed hit. Any creamy pasta like this or Creamy Sundried Tomato Chicken Pasta just hits the spot when you need a pick-me-up!

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