Oh yes — Cajun Shrimp Scampi 🦐🔥🍝 is the perfect combination of garlicky butter, zesty Cajun spice, and tender shrimp. Here’s a simple, flavorful recipe you can make in under 30 minutes.
Cajun Shrimp Scampi (Serves 2–3)
Ingredients
- 12–16 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine, cooked al dente
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry
- Season lightly with salt, pepper, paprika, and Cajun seasoning
- Cook the shrimp
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden
- Remove shrimp and set aside
- Make the garlic butter sauce
- In the same pan, melt butter
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes → sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant
- Squeeze in lemon juice
- Combine
- Return shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in sauce
- Add cooked pasta and toss everything together
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley
- Serve immediately
- Optional: extra lemon wedges on the side
- Optional: grated Parmesan (if you like it creamy)
Tips
- Don’t overcook shrimp → they cook quickly and can turn rubbery
- Cajun seasoning: adjust for heat and flavor
- Add veggies: bell peppers or spinach can be tossed in at the end
- Extra flavor: a splash of white wine before adding shrimp back gives depth
If you want, I can also give a lighter, garlic-lemon version that’s keto-friendly, or a one-pan shrimp scampi with rice instead of pasta for a quick weeknight meal.
Do you want me to do that?