Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake with Spinach and Cheese

This creamy Cajun shrimp pasta bake is a delicious, comforting dinner loaded with juicy, Cajun-seasoned shrimp, tender pasta, fresh spinach, diced red bell peppers, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Baked until hot and bubbly, this irresistible dish combines bold Cajun spices with creamy Alfredo-style goodness for the perfect balance of flavor and comfort. Every bite is packed with tender shrimp, savory garlic, melted cheese, and a hint of Cajun heat. It's a wonderful choice for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or whenever you're craving a restaurant-quality seafood meal at home.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake with Spinach and Cheese

Food Description

This creamy Cajun shrimp pasta bake is a delicious, comforting dinner loaded with juicy, Cajun-seasoned shrimp, tender pasta, fresh spinach, diced red bell peppers, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Baked until hot and bubbly, this irresistible dish combines bold Cajun spices with creamy Alfredo-style goodness for the perfect balance of flavor and comfort. Every bite is packed with tender shrimp, savory garlic, melted cheese, and a hint of Cajun heat. It's a wonderful choice for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or whenever you're craving a restaurant-quality seafood meal at home.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 3 cups fresh spinach

• 1½ cups heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, to taste

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• ¼ cup reserved pasta water, if needed

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain and reserve ¼ cup of pasta water.

3. Season the shrimp: Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper.

4. Cook the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, until just opaque and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

5. Sauté the vegetables: Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Add the diced bell pepper and cook for 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then add the spinach and cook until wilted.

6. Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and add the Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan and half of the mozzarella until melted. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

7. Combine the pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

8. Assemble the bake: Transfer the creamy pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Arrange the shrimp over the top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella.

9. Bake: Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the dish is bubbling around the edges.

10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Recipe Details

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

• Servings: 4–6

• Category: Dinner, Pasta, Seafood

• Cooking method: Stovetop and oven

Tips for the Best Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake

• Control the spice: Start with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and add more to taste. Many Cajun blends already contain salt.

• Avoid overcooking the shrimp: Cook them just until opaque before baking to help prevent a rubbery texture.

• Use freshly grated cheese: It generally melts more smoothly into the sauce.

• Keep the sauce creamy: Add a little pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick before baking.

• Add extra vegetables: Mushrooms or chopped broccoli can complement the shrimp and spinach.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating, as shrimp can become tough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely in the refrigerator, remove excess moisture, and season before cooking.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely. Use a mild Cajun seasoning and omit any additional cayenne or red pepper flakes.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce, vegetables, and pasta ahead of time. For the best texture, assemble the dish shortly before baking and avoid fully cooking the shrimp in advance.

Make creamy Cajun shrimp pasta bake with tender shrimp, spinach, bell peppers, and a cheesy garlic cream sauce. An easy, flavorful seafood dinner for the whole family.

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Creamy Cajun shrimp pasta bake topped with seasoned shrimp, melted cheese, fresh spinach, diced red bell peppers, and chopped parsley.