Creamy Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a creamy, spicy pasta dish that comes together in just one pan. The first time I made blackened shrimp cavatappi, I was looking for a restaurant-quality meal that was quick, easy, and impressive enough for guests. To my surprise, the combination of tender shrimp, smoky blackened seasoning, and a rich, creamy sauce took my love for seafood pasta to another level.

This dish is perfect for beginners because it requires minimal prep, simple cooking techniques, and ingredients that are easy to swap based on what you have at home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or even a dinner party, this blackened shrimp cavatappi will be a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Why This Recipe Is Special

1. Easy to Make – The recipe uses basic cooking steps that even a beginner can follow. With just one pan and a pot for the pasta, cleanup is a breeze.

2. Bold and Creamy Flavor – The homemade blackened seasoning gives the shrimp a smoky, slightly spicy kick, which is perfectly balanced by the creamy tomato-based sauce.

3. Customizable – No shrimp? Swap it with chicken, sausage, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version. You can also use any type of pasta you have on hand.

4. Quick Cooking Time – In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it came from a high-end seafood restaurant.

Ingredients and Their Role

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and why they’re essential to this dish:

• Pasta – Cavatappi is ideal because of its curly shape, which holds the creamy sauce well. You can substitute with penne, fusilli, or rotini.
• Shrimp – Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp work well. Look for deveined shrimp to save time on prep.
• Blackened Seasoning – A smoky, slightly spicy mix that enhances the shrimp’s flavor. You can use store-bought seasoning or make your own.
• Butter – Adds richness to the shrimp while cooking.
• Heavy Cream – Creates a velvety texture in the sauce. Whole milk or half-and-half can be used as lighter alternatives.
• Tomato Paste – Provides a deep, slightly sweet tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
• Sour Cream – Balances the spice and adds a slight tang. Greek yogurt is a good substitute.
• Parmesan Cheese – Gives the sauce a salty, nutty depth. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
• Corn – Adds a pop of sweetness and texture. Canned, fresh, or frozen corn all work well.
• Green Onion – Used as a garnish for freshness and color.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cavatappi pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp

In a bowl, coat the shrimp evenly with blackened seasoning. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add heavy cream. Stir while scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Once the cream starts to simmer, lower the heat and mix in tomato paste, sour cream, and parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and corn to the sauce. Stir everything together until well coated and heated through.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the pasta onto plates and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Beginner Tips and Notes

• How to Tell If Shrimp Is Cooked: Shrimp cooks quickly and turns from gray to pink with a firm texture. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery, so keep an eye on it.
• Prevent Cheese from Clumping: Use freshly grated parmesan instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Make It Less Spicy: Reduce the amount of blackened seasoning or mix in a little more sour cream to mellow the heat.
• Save Time on Prep: Buy peeled and deveined shrimp to avoid extra prep work.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with simple sides to balance the bold flavors:

• Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, green beans, or a fresh side salad.
• Bread: Garlic breadsticks or a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce and seafood.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.

Try It and Share Your Experience

This creamy blackened shrimp cavatappi is a fantastic dish for beginner cooks looking to expand their skills while enjoying a rich, flavorful meal. If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments below. What substitutions did you make? Did you add your own twist? I’d love to hear from you!

FAQ About Creamy Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi

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