Cheesy Cajun Shrimp Spaghetti
A flavorful Cajun shrimp spaghetti dish with a cheesy, spicy sauce, perfect for seafood lovers and those craving bold, comforting flavors in a quick meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion and chopped celery in oil until wilted.
- Add chopped garlic, butter, Ro-Tel tomatoes, and tomato sauce; cook for 30 minutes.
- Add peeled shrimp and cook for 8 minutes.
- Add Velveeta cheese and chopped green onion tops; blend well.
- Remove from heat.
- Mix the sauce with well-drained cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the dish. If you're out of Velveeta cheese, cream cheese or cheddar can work as substitutes, though they may alter the texture. To save time, use pre-cooked shrimp; just adjust the cooking time accordingly. This recipe also pairs well with a side salad for a balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cheesy Cajun Shrimp Spaghetti with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional chopped green onions for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad. For a delightful seafood-themed meal, consider complementing it with other seafood recipes like Deviled Crab Cakes for a delicious buffet experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the spaghetti on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Cajun Shrimp Spaghetti contains roughly 1640 calories, with 24g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 157g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1884mg per serving (82% 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, frozen shrimp can be used; just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can place them in cold water for about 20 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator. This ensures they cook evenly and thoroughly in the dish.
What type of pasta works best with this dish?
While spaghetti is the classic choice, you can also use other pasta types such as fettuccine or penne. Just be sure to cook the pasta according to package instructions for optimal texture, and drain well before mixing with the sauce.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to enhance the flavor without meat.
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).