Bold, buttery, and irresistibly rich, this Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Spinach Pasta is the kind of meal that stops conversations at the table. Plump shrimp seared to golden perfection in Cajun-spiced butter are nestled over ribbons of creamy pasta tossed with garlic, Parmesan, and wilted spinach. Every bite is layered — smoky heat, creamy indulgence, and that signature Cajun kick balanced by earthy greens.

This is seafood comfort food at its absolute best: simple ingredients elevated with perfect technique and flavor harmony. The Cajun seasoning brings warmth, the garlic butter adds richness, and the fresh spinach lightens every forkful. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs, this dish delivers both elegance and soul — the signature of The Cooks Collection gourmet style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-level flavor: Rich, smoky shrimp in a silky, garlic-infused cream sauce.
• Fast but indulgent: Ready in under 40 minutes with minimal prep.
• Balanced richness: Spinach cuts through the cream for a fresh finish.
• Versatile: Works beautifully with fettuccine, linguine, or short pasta like mafaldine or rotini.
• Gorgeous presentation: Vibrant shrimp over golden sauce — visually stunning for guests or content shoots.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Cajun Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

For the Creamy Spinach Pasta

• 12 ounces pasta (mafaldine, fettuccine, or linguine)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or chives
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Pasta pot
• Tongs or spatula
• Whisk

Instructions

1) Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. Toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.

2) Sear the Cajun Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss them with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add shrimp in a single layer. Sear 1–2 minutes per side until golden and opaque. Add the last tablespoon of butter and toss to coat. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3) Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning for depth and stir to coat the aromatics evenly.

4) Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan (they hold the flavor). Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese gradually, whisking constantly until the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Adjust with salt and black pepper to taste. For a richer flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or an extra splash of cream.

5) Add the Spinach

Reduce heat to low and stir in the fresh spinach. Cook just until wilted — about 1–2 minutes. The spinach should stay bright green, adding color and freshness to the dish.

6) Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the creamy spinach sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water for a silky finish. Let it simmer gently for 1–2 minutes to absorb flavor.

7) Add Shrimp and Serve

Arrange the Cajun shrimp over the creamy pasta. Spoon a bit of sauce over the shrimp for that glossy, restaurant-style look. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, chives, and a touch of extra Parmesan. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Flavor Notes

The key to this dish is balance — smoky, garlicky heat from the Cajun shrimp contrasted with the rich, velvety cream sauce. The spinach brings a gentle freshness that cuts through the richness, while the Parmesan rounds it all out. Each element plays its part: the spice wakes up your palate, the butter smooths it out, and the cream ties everything together. The result is a deeply satisfying, layered bite that feels gourmet but approachable.

Chef’s Tips

• Use large shrimp: They stay juicy and provide that impressive restaurant look.
• Don’t overcook shrimp: They’re done as soon as they curl and turn opaque.
• Build layers of flavor: Keep all the brown bits in the pan — they enrich the sauce.
• Season as you go: Layering salt and spice prevents bland cream sauce.
• Finish with lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the entire dish instantly.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Make-ahead: The sauce can be prepared up to a day ahead. Reheat gently before tossing with fresh pasta.
• Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze: Not recommended — cream-based sauces may separate when thawed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with roasted asparagus, sautéed zucchini, or garlic bread for a complete meal. Pair it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to cut through the richness. For extra color and contrast, garnish with finely chopped herbs and a dusting of smoked paprika before serving.

Variations

• Spicy Cajun Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce base.
• Seafood Mix: Add scallops, crab, or lobster for a full seafood experience.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Twist: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor depth.
• Extra Creamy Version: Blend in 2 ounces of cream cheese before adding the spinach.
• Healthy Alternative: Use half-and-half instead of cream and whole wheat pasta for a lighter version.

Quick Recipe Card

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Serves: 4–6

1. Boil pasta; reserve pasta water.
2. Season and sear Cajun shrimp in garlic butter; remove and set aside.
3. Sauté onion and garlic, then add broth, cream, and Parmesan.
4. Stir in spinach until wilted, toss in pasta, then top with shrimp.
5. Garnish with herbs, cheese, and a squeeze of lemon. Serve hot.

Behind the Flavor

This recipe takes cues from Louisiana-style cooking — a blend of French, Southern, and Creole influences where spice, butter, and cream coexist beautifully. The Cajun seasoning adds warmth and color, while garlic butter lends that rich, coastal flavor synonymous with shrimp dishes across the Gulf. The addition of spinach isn’t traditional, but it brings freshness and balance, making the dish feel lighter without losing its indulgent texture. It’s a modern comfort classic — designed for home cooks who want restaurant-level results without complexity.

Final Thoughts

Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Spinach Pasta is elegance in a bowl — vibrant, flavorful, and perfectly comforting. It captures everything you crave in a gourmet seafood pasta: bold spice, rich sauce, and satisfying texture. Every element complements the next, creating harmony from contrast — spice and cream, butter and lemon, heat and coolness. This dish is proof that “fancy” doesn’t need to mean complicated — just precise, intentional, and cooked with love.