Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Charred Peppers
Garlicky, spiced shrimp and sweet bell peppers in a lush cream sauce over penne — all cooked in one skillet in under 25 minutes. Cajun heat balanced with buttery richness; screenshot-ready plating.
- Total time
- 24 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 728
- Protein
- 42g
Ingredients
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Open the appInstructions
Step 1
Boil salted water in a 12-inch skillet over high heat. Add penne and cook until al dente, ~10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2
In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium-high. Add sliced peppers and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes until edges char, then stir and cook 2 more minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Step 3
Add remaining 2 tbsp butter and garlic to the skillet. Cook 45 seconds until fragrant, then add shrimp sprinkled with cajun seasoning.
Step 4
Sear shrimp 90 seconds per side without stirring until edges turn opaque. Pour in cream and lemon juice, then return peppers to the pan.
Step 5
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and stir gently, adding pasta water 2 tbsp at a time until sauce coats noodles without pooling.
Step 6
Finish with lemon zest and a pinch of salt. Serve immediately from the pan or plated hot.
Tools you’ll need
- 12-inch skillet
- wooden spoon
- tongs
- microplane or zester
- colander
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