Succulent, buttery shrimp with a Cajun twist, this Cajun Shrimp Scampi is a bold and savory take on a classic Italian favorite. It combines the rich, garlicky butter sauce of traditional scampi with the smoky, spicy depth of Cajun seasoning—creating a dish that’s both comforting and fiery. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this pasta dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The shrimp are seared until tender and golden, then tossed with pasta in a velvety sauce spiked with garlic, lemon juice, and Cajun spices. A pat of butter on top melts into the dish, adding a final silky touch. With a bright sprinkle of chopped parsley and just a hint of heat, this meal hits every note from zesty to indulgent.

Ingredients for this Cajun Shrimp Scampi

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz spaghetti or linguine
3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of ½ lemon (optional)
¼ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry and season them evenly with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and slightly crisp around the edges. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Deglaze

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze and capture all the flavor bits. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Add the lemon juice and remaining butter to the skillet. Stir until the butter is melted and the sauce is silky. Add a little reserved pasta water if you want a looser sauce consistency.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, along with any juices. Toss everything together for a minute or two, allowing the shrimp to warm through and the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Divide the pasta and shrimp into bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley, an optional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a wedge of lemon on the side for added brightness.

Storage Instructions

To store leftover Cajun Shrimp Scampi, allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of shrimp can become rubbery and the sauce may separate upon thawing.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe):

Calories: 520
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 210mg
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and quantities used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

What pasta types work well besides spaghetti?

Linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta are excellent alternatives that pair well with the sauce and shrimp.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a mild to moderate kick from the Cajun seasoning. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less of the seasoning blend.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or additional olive oil.

What can I use instead of white wine?

Chicken broth is a great alternative that still adds flavor without alcohol.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes make great additions.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

Add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese while making the sauce for a richer texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your Cajun seasoning ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Cajun Shrimp Scampi

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Cajun Shrimp Scampi is a fiery twist on a beloved classic—where buttery garlic shrimp meet bold Cajun flavors, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an irresistible dinner that’s both quick to prepare and full of character. From the spice-kissed shrimp to the zesty lemon-garlic sauce, each bite delivers comfort and heat in harmony.

Instructions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
Lower heat to medium, add remaining oil and garlic. Cook for 30 seconds.
Deglaze the skillet with white wine or broth. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in lemon juice and the remaining butter. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
Toss in pasta and return shrimp to the skillet. Mix well until heated through.
Serve hot, garnished with parsley and optional Parmesan.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes