One Pot Creamy Shrimp Linguine (Easy Cajun Style)
If you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, this one pot shrimp linguine is about to become a new favorite. Juicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp, burst cherry tomatoes, and tender pasta all cook together in a rich, silky sauce that tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant.
The best part? It all comes together in one pan in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you still want something really good.
And check out these other great recipes while you are here!
One Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Linguine
Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Shrimp and Salmon
Better Than Olive Garden Fettucine Alfredo
Garlic Butter Fettucine and Shrimp
One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo
Spicy Rigatoni with Crispy Chicken Cutlets
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot = minimal cleanup and easy cooking
- Ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish
- Rich, creamy, and packed with bold Cajun flavor
- Tastes like a restaurant-quality pasta at home
- Customizable spice level—make it as mild or spicy as you like
- Made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients
- Perfect for weeknights but impressive enough for guests
Ingredients
- Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled & deveined) – Cook quickly and soak up all that Cajun flavor
- Linguine (12 oz) – Perfect for holding onto that creamy sauce
- Cherry tomatoes (12 oz, halved) – Add brightness, freshness, and color
- Red onion (½ small, thinly sliced) – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth
- Garlic (4 cloves, thinly sliced) – Brings bold, savory flavor
- Avocado oil (1 tbsp) – Helps get a good sear on the shrimp
- Butter (1 tbsp) – Adds richness and enhances flavor
- Chicken broth (3 cups) – The base that cooks the pasta and builds the sauce
- Heavy cream (1 cup) – Creates a smooth, silky texture without being too heavy
- Freshly grated Parmesan (1 cup) – Thickens the sauce and adds a salty, nutty finish
- Fresh basil (2 large leaves + 1-2 more) – Adds a fresh, slightly sweet flavor
- Fresh parsley (1–2 tsp, chopped) – Brightens and adds color
- Lemon juice (from 1 lemon) – Balances the richness and ties everything together
Seasonings
- Slap Ya Mama (1 tsp) – Brings that Cajun kick
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp) – Adds depth and a subtle smokiness
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp) – Layers in herb flavor
- Herbs de Provence (½ tbsp) – Gives it that elevated, restaurant-style touch (or you can use Italian Seasoning)
- Red pepper flakes (1 tsp) – Adds heat (adjust to taste)
- Black pepper (⅛ tsp) – Enhances overall flavor
Instructions
Start by patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel and place them in a bowl. Season with Slap Ya Mama, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and black pepper, tossing to coat evenly.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the avocado oil and butter. Add the shrimp to the hot pan and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside, leaving all the flavorful bits in the bottom of the skillet.
In the same pan, add the linguine, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, garlic, and fresh basil. Sprinkle in the herbs de Provence and red pepper flakes, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
Bring everything to a light boil, then reduce slightly and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently to keep the pasta from sticking and to help release the starch. Continue cooking until the linguine is just al dente and most of the liquid has reduced.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and glossy. If needed, add a small splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Return the shrimp to the pan and gently toss to combine. Add the lemon juice, chopped parsley, and additional basil if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread to soak up every bit of that sauce
- Pair with a simple side salad for a balanced meal
- Add extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like more heat
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—they only need a couple minutes per side
- Keep the sauce slightly loose before adding the cheese—it will thicken naturally
- Stir the pasta frequently so it cooks evenly and doesn’t stick
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it
If you do make this recipe, please leave a comment and a rating! I love hearing from you and it helps so much! Thank you!
Video
One Pot Creamy Shrimp Linguine (Easy Cajun Style)
Ingredients
- 1 lb Large Raw Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12oz Linguine
- 1 tbsp Avocado Oil
- 1 tbsp Salted Butter
- 12 oz Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 Small Red Onion, thinly sliced
- 4 Garlic Cloves, thinly sliced
- 3 Cups Chicken Broth
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream or half and half
- 1 Cup Freshly Grated Parmesan
- 4-5 Fresh Basil Leaves divided
- 1-2 tsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 Lemon
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 tbsp Herbs De Provence or you can use Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Season shrimp with Slap Ya Mama, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
- Heat avocado oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add linguine, cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic, and 2-3 of the basil leaves. Season with herbs de Provence and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a light boil.
- Cook 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is al dente.
- Reduce heat and stir in Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Add shrimp back in along with lemon juice and parsley and the rest of the basil leaves, chopped.
Notes
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water, broth, or cream to bring the sauce back to life.FAQ
Can I make this less spicy? – Yes, reduce the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to your preference.
Can I use a different pasta? – Yes, fettuccine or spaghetti work well. Just keep the amount around 12 ounces.
Can I use frozen shrimp? – Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I add vegetables? – Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini would work well in this dish.
Hello Carmen,
I have just found your blog & this recipe via YouTube and have looked over a few of your recipes and this one is the one that caught my eye. I plan on making this soon… love one pot meals, and I especially love pasta & shrimp! I will get back and rate this as soon as I make it.
Thank you for some lovely looking recipes!
Loved the memories of your earlier days cooking with your grandmother, and the sweet memories of actually sitting down with family to eat and actually share how one’s day went!!
I hope you love it as much a we did! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it 🙂
Lovely quick, delicious and easy dinner. Perfect for an autumn evening. Will definitely make this again, wouldn’t change a thing.
Thank you so much, Steve! I am so happy you enjoyed it and thank you for the thoughful review!