Creamy Cajun Shrimp Bowtie Pasta

This post may contain paid and/or affiliate links. I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our Privacy Policy.

This creamy Cajun shrimp bowtie pasta is one of my most-requested dinners on TikTok. Juicy shrimp and sweet red and yellow bell peppers are tossed with bowtie pasta in a rich, creamy sauce loaded with Cajun spice, garlic and parmesan. It’s bold, cozy and just a little spicy.

It’s ready in about 30 minutes, it tastes like something from a restaurant, and the leftovers make a great work-from-home lunch.

Watch Me Make It

Want to see how it comes together? Watch me make this Cajun shrimp pasta on TikTok.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and bold: a silky parmesan sauce with plenty of Cajun spice.
• Quick: shrimp cooks in minutes, so dinner is ready in about 30.
• Colorful: sweet bell peppers add crunch and brightness.
• Restaurant-style: it tastes fancy but it’s easy enough for a weeknight.

Ingredients

• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil plus 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, pepper and red pepper flakes, to taste

How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Bowtie Pasta

1. Cook the pasta. Boil the bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Sear the shrimp. Toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink. Set aside.
3. Cook the peppers. Melt the butter in the same pan. Add the bell peppers and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, then add the garlic for 30 seconds.
4. Make the sauce. Pour in the broth and cream, then stir in the rest of the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, then stir in the parmesan until smooth.
5. Toss it all together. Add the pasta and shrimp and toss to coat. Loosen with a splash of pasta water if needed and season to taste.

Tips for the Best Results

• Watch the salt. Many Cajun seasonings are salty, so taste before adding more salt.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp. Pull them as soon as they turn pink. They’ll finish warming in the sauce.
• Make it lighter. Swap half the cream for milk and thicken with extra parmesan.
• Swap the protein. Chicken or sausage work great too.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth.

If you make this creamy Cajun shrimp bowtie pasta, let me know in the comments, and follow me on TikTok @biteswithadri for more easy dinners!