Cajun Spiced Shrimp With Rotelle Pasta
Spicy Cajun shrimp paired with tender rotelle pasta, fresh zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs create a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. red cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 6 to 8 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 2 medium garlic cloves ⓘ
- 1 1/4 lb. shrimp ⓘ
- 12 oz. rotelle pasta ⓘ
- 1 small zucchini ⓘ
- 1/4 c. minced green onion ⓘ
- 1/4 c. fresh parsley leaves ⓘ
- 2 ripe plum tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme to prepare the spice blend.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add minced garlic and the spice mixture.
- Turn off the heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the spices.
- Cook the shrimp until pink, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the rotelle pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with 2 tablespoons of butter. Set aside.
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter to the remaining spice mixture left in the skillet.
- Add minced green onion, diced zucchini, diced tomatoes, and chopped parsley. Saute for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the shrimp and vegetable mixture. Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using smoked paprika in the spice blend. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute the butter with olive oil. You can also replace shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein. To save time, prep vegetables while the pasta cooks, and remember to toss pasta with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a fresh green salad or garlic bread to balance the spice. A crisp white wine or a light beer pairs well with the flavors. For an extra kick, offer hot sauce on the side. This dish also pairs beautifully with a Bloody Clamdigger for a complete seafood experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and pasta mixture in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the shrimp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cajun Spiced Shrimp With Rotelle Pasta contains roughly 1021 calories, with 60g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (365% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (328% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2672mg per serving (116% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Rinse under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the spices.
What can I substitute for rotelle pasta?
If you don't have rotelle pasta, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle will work well. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose, and ensure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is moderate due to the cayenne pepper, but you can adjust it to your liking. For a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne or omit it altogether, or add it gradually to control the spice level.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).