Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients (Serves 2)

1. Fettuccine or linguine – 5 – 6 oz

2. Shrimp – 12, cleaned

     Cajun spice mix – 3/4 – 1 tsp (Recipe below)

3. Butter – 2 tsp

    Olive oil – 1 tbsp

4. Garlic – 2 cloves, minced

    Onion – 3 tbsp, chopped

    Green bell pepper – 3 tbsp, chopped

    Red bell pepper – 3 tbsp, chopped

5. Vegetable / chicken stock – 1/4 cup (I used 1/2 vegetable bouillon cube dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water)

   Heavy cream – 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp

   Parmesan cheese – 3 – 4 tbsp, grated

   Cajun spice mix – 1/4 – 1/2 tsp

Method

1. Marinate shrimp with 3/4 – 1 tsp cajun spice mix. Set aside for 5 minutes.

2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions adding salt and 1 tsp olive oil, till al dente. 

3. While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan. Fry shrimp on both sides until done, about 3 – 4 minutes at medium heat. Transfer to a plate.

4. To the same pan, add garlic, onion, green and red bell pepper. Saute for about 3 minutes. Add vegetable / chicken stock, heavy cream, parmesan cheese and cajun spice mix. Mix well. Cook for 8 – 10 minutes at low heat until sauce is thick. Taste-check for salt.

5. When the pasta is done (I cook an additional minute or two since I like tender pasta). Drain the pasta and add to the prepared sauce. Mix well and switch off. Top with fried shrimp, garnish with grated parmesan cheese (optional) and serve immediately.

Cajun spice mix

1. Pepper powder – 1/2 tsp
2. Chilly powder – 1/2 tsp
3. Paprika – 1/2 tsp
4. Cumin powder – 1/4 tsp
5. Garlic powder – 1/2 tsp
6. Onion powder – 1/4 tsp
7. Dried oregano – 1/2 tsp
8. Dried thyme – 1/2 tsp
9. Salt – A little less than 1/2 tsp

Mix all the above ingredients for cajun spice mix. You need only about 1.5 tsp cajun spice mix for this recipe. Store the remaining in an airtight container to use later.