🍤 Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake

Cheesy, spicy, and irresistibly creamy — this Southern-style Cajun pasta bake brings restaurant flavor right to your kitchen!

A crowd-pleasing mix of shrimp, pasta, peppers, and bold Cajun seasoning, baked to bubbly perfection under layers of melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or meal prep that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

🍽 Recipe Card

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Dietary Tags: High-Protein | Southern-Inspired | Comfort Food

✅ Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled & deveined

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or other thin pasta

• 2 Tbsp butter

• 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)

• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (add more for extra heat)

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup chicken broth or seafood stock

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

🔢 Instructions

1️⃣ Boil the Pasta
Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat butter and 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning and sauté 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.

3️⃣ Sauté the Veggies
Add remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell peppers until tender and fragrant (about 4 minutes). Stir in tomatoes.

4️⃣ Build the Sauce
Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Pour in broth and cream. Simmer 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

5️⃣ Mix It Up
Add cooked pasta, shrimp, and half of the mozzarella. Toss gently until coated.

6️⃣ Transfer & Top
Spread mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

7️⃣ Bake It Up
Bake at 375 °F (190 °C) for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

8️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp salad.

💡 Recipe Notes

• Adjust Cajun spice to taste — go bold or mild depending on your heat preference.

• For a creamier texture, substitute half the broth with more cream.

• Use penne or rotini if you prefer a chunkier bake.

• Leftovers make a killer next-day lunch — just reheat with a splash of milk.

🌶️ Introduction

When creamy comfort meets Cajun flair — magic happens. This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake blends rich sauce, tender shrimp, and savory spice into one satisfying dish. Born from Southern soul food and pasta night convenience, it’s a hearty bake that feels both homey and indulgent.

If you love creamy seafood pasta but want something that feeds a crowd, this one’s for you.

🍤 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Sear the Shrimp Right

Don’t overcook — just 2 minutes per side keeps them juicy. Remove them early so they stay tender when baked.

2. Build the Flavor Base

That onion-garlic-pepper trio (the Cajun “holy trinity”) builds irresistible aroma. Let them soften before adding tomatoes.

3. Creamy Cajun Sauce

Simmer the cream and stock until lightly thickened — the sauce should coat a spoon.

4. Bake to Bubbly Perfection

The melted cheese on top creates a golden, crisped crust that locks in the creamy goodness below.

🧀 Ingredient Details & Substitutions

• Shrimp: Medium or large; fresh or thawed from frozen. For a different protein, try chicken or andouille sausage.

• Pasta: Any medium pasta works — penne, rotini, or fettuccine.

• Cajun Seasoning: Make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme.

• Cream: Swap for half-and-half or coconut cream for dairy-free.

• Cheese: Use Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra spice.

🍽️ Variations & Serving Suggestions

Flavor Variations

• Shrimp & Sausage Cajun Bake: Add ½ lb sliced smoked sausage.

• Spicy Cajun Alfredo: Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper for extra kick.

• Cajun Veggie Bake: Omit shrimp, add mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus.

• Garnish with lemon wedges for a bright finish.

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers up to 3 days in an airtight container.

• Freeze: Cool completely; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

• Reheat: Bake at 350 °F for 15 minutes or microwave with a splash of milk to keep creamy.

🧮 Nutrition (per serving, est.)

Calories : 560 kcal | Protein : 32 g | Carbs : 45 g | Fat : 27 g | Fiber : 3 g | Sodium : 720 mg

Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy, Gluten (pasta)

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
A: You can, but add them only at the mixing stage — don’t overcook.

Q: Is it spicy?
A: Mild-medium heat; adjust Cajun spice or add a pinch of cayenne to turn it up.

❤️ Story Behind the Recipe

This recipe was inspired by a family trip to Louisiana — where every bite of Cajun cooking was layered with flavor and warmth. I wanted to capture that same magic in an easy, weeknight-friendly pasta bake.

It’s one of those dishes that fills the kitchen with the smell of butter, garlic, and spice — and brings everyone to the table fast.

💬 Join the Conversation

Tried this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake?
Tag your version with #SouthernComfortBakes and share your favorite side pairings below — garlic bread or salad team? 🧄🥗