Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (High Protein) Recipe

If you’re like me and love a good pasta dish that’s packed with flavor but still keeps your protein goals in check, you’re going to adore this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (High Protein) Recipe. The spicy, smoky Cajun seasoning combined with tender shrimp makes for an energizing meal that feels indulgent without the guilt. I turn to this recipe whenever I want something quick, satisfying, and with that perfect creamy kick—perfect for a cozy weeknight or impressing friends over dinner.

What makes this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (High Protein) Recipe truly special is the unique use of cottage cheese for the sauce. It transforms the dish into a luscious, velvety plate with way more protein than your average cream sauce. Plus, tossing in protein pasta gives it an extra boost that keeps you full and fueled for hours. I’ve made it countless times and each time it feels like a celebration of comfort food with a nutritious twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays a role in creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that brings this dish to life. When you shop for these, keep an eye out for fresh shrimp and quality protein pasta to really elevate your Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (High Protein) Recipe.

• Protein pasta: A great way to ramp up the protein content without compromising on the familiar pasta texture you love.
• Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for that smooth, rich flavor when sautéing.
• Cajun seasoning: This is the star spice blend—make sure it’s fresh and vibrant for the best kick.
• Shrimp: Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp work well; just make sure they’re deveined and peeled for easy eating.
• Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and color, balancing out the spices perfectly.
• Scallions: Fresh scallions add a mild, oniony crunch and brighten up the dish.
• Dried thyme: This herb offers a subtle earthiness that complements the Cajun spices beautifully.
• Paprika: Adds smokiness and depth—don’t skip this for that authentic Cajun vibe.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): If you love heat like I do, toss in a pinch or two for that extra fire.
• Low-fat cottage cheese (2%): The secret to the creamy sauce with a high protein punch.
• 2% milk: Use whatever milk you have, but 2% gives the right balance of creaminess without being too heavy.
• Parmesan cheese: For that nutty, cheesy flavor that ties the sauce together just right.

Variations

I love tweaking this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (High Protein) Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. Don’t hesitate to play around with it—you might find your own favorite spin!

• Protein swap: I’ve replaced shrimp with grilled chicken breast on busy nights and still loved every bite.
• Dairy-free option: Try using a cashew cream sauce instead of cottage cheese for a friendly allergy-friendly twist.
• Veggie boost: Adding zucchini ribbons or spinach kicks up the nutrition without overpowering the Cajun flavors.
• Heat level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice tolerance. I usually go heavy on the cayenne but friends enjoy it milder.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (High Protein) Recipe

Step 1: Cook your protein pasta and prep for sauce

Start by boiling your protein pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Once al dente, reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining—it’s pure gold for adjusting sauce consistency later. I always find reserving the pasta water makes my sauce silky rather than gloopy, so don’t skip this part!

Step 2: Sauté shrimp and veggies with spices

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the shrimp along with the Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, and cayenne if using. Cook the shrimp just until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side—be careful not to overcook them or they’ll get rubbery. Next, add the sliced red bell pepper and scallions, stirring for another 2 minutes until veggies start to soften but still hold some crunch.

Step 3: Whip up the creamy cottage cheese sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine the low-fat cottage cheese, milk, Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Blend until smooth and creamy—this is going to be your magic sauce! Pour the sauce into the skillet over the shrimp and veggies, stirring gently to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired creaminess.

Step 4: Toss in your cooked pasta and finish

Add the cooked protein pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce and shrimp. Toss everything gently to coat the noodles evenly and warm the pasta through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—it might want a little extra Cajun spice or salt depending on your palate. Once everything is luxuriously coated, your Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (High Protein) Recipe is ready to hit the table!

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (High Protein) Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped scallions—they add a fresh burst that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. Sometimes, I toss on a few extra shavings of Parmesan for that little salty pop I can’t resist.

Side Dishes

I like pairing it with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon juice and olive oil to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread is also a welcomed treat here, especially when you want something to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes plate this pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with a twist of lemon peel or a few whole cooked shrimp perched on top. It makes the meal feel extra fancy and festive, even if it’s just a casual dinner at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and chances are you will!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pasta can soak up the sauce over time, so I usually add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water when reheating to bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (High Protein) Recipe a couple of times, but shrimp doesn’t always hold the same texture after freezing and reheating. If you plan to freeze, consider cooking the pasta and sauce separately and adding fresh shrimp after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Adding a little milk or pasta water helps loosen the sauce back up so it doesn’t dry out. Avoid microwaving too long or at high power to keep the shrimp tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (High Protein) Recipe holds a special place in my rotation for good reason—it’s fast, satisfying, and feels like a treat while being protein-packed enough to keep me energized. I truly hope you give it a go and find yourself reaching for it whenever you want that perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and lean protein. Trust me, once you try it, it will become one of your favorite weeknight meals too!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (High Protein) Recipe

★★★★★ 5 from 109 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful, high-protein dish combining tender shrimp, vibrant bell peppers, and a luscious cottage cheese cream sauce spiced with Cajun seasoning. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, it balances richness and spice while incorporating protein pasta for an extra boost.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp Pasta and Vegetables

• 4 oz (112g) protein pasta, cooked, with 1 cup pasta water reserved
• 2 tsp (8g) olive oil
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 lb (454g) shrimp, thawed and deveined
• 1 (165g) red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/3 cup (40g) scallions, sliced
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, optional

Cottage Cheese Cream Sauce

• 1 cup (226g) low fat cottage cheese (2% lowfat)
• 1/2 cup (110g) 2% milk (can substitute skim or whole milk)
• 1/4 cup (32g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Begin by cooking the protein pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta and keep it warm.
2. Sauté Shrimp and Vegetables: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, seasoning them with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper, scallions, dried thyme, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper, sautéing until the vegetables are tender but still crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Prepare Cottage Cheese Cream Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup cottage cheese, 1/2 cup 2% milk, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Sauce with Vegetables and Pasta: Pour the blended cottage cheese sauce into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine, then add the cooked protein pasta. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until your desired creaminess is reached.
5. Reintroduce Shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, stirring gently to coat everything in the creamy Cajun sauce. Heat for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through without overcooking the shrimp.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra scallions or Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your high-protein, flavorful creamy Cajun shrimp pasta!

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Notes

• You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level of the dish.
• Using protein pasta increases the overall protein content, but you can substitute regular pasta if preferred.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute the cottage cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives, though the sauce flavor and texture will vary.
• Reserve pasta water is used to adjust the sauce consistency, so add it gradually.
• Cooking shrimp quickly is critical to prevent them from becoming tough and rubbery.

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, creamy pasta, high protein pasta recipe, cottage cheese sauce, easy shrimp dinner, low fat pasta dish, spicy pasta