I have to tell you, the first time I made this Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe, I was amazed at how bold and creamy the flavors turned out. I love how the spicy shrimp pairs with the rich sauce and curly pasta so perfectly.
It quickly became one of my favorite comfort meals to make at home. Every bite feels indulgent yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become a regular in your kitchen too. You can also enjoy similar indulgent treats like the Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for a sweet finish after this meal.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need, along with helpful tips to make sure your dish turns out perfectly.
• 8 ounces cavatappi pasta – The spiral shape holds the sauce beautifully, so try not to substitute with smooth pasta.
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined – Fresh or fully thawed shrimp cook evenly and sear better than frozen.
• 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning – Gives the shrimp smoky heat and bold Cajun flavor. Adjust if you prefer less spice.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – Helps achieve a nice sear and adds richness without oversalting.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Full-fat cream creates the smoothest, richest sauce.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste – Adds depth, color, and subtle sweetness to balance the spice.
• ¼ cup sour cream – Brings a mild tanginess that makes the sauce taste more layered.
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese – Fresh cheese melts better and gives stronger flavor than pre-shredded versions.
• 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained – Adds little bursts of sweetness that contrast nicely with spicy shrimp.
• Chopped green onions for garnish – Provide freshness and color at the end.
Note: These quantities serve about 4 people generously.
Variations
You can easily adjust this recipe to suit different diets or flavor preferences.
• Dairy-free option – Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese.
• Lower spice level – Reduce blackened seasoning or mix with paprika for milder heat.
• Extra vegetables – Add spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for more nutrition and color.
• Protein swap – Chicken, salmon, or even sautéed mushrooms work well if shrimp isn’t available. You might also like trying the Salmon Bowl with Sesame Ginger Sauce Recipe for a healthy alternative.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long it takes from start to finish:
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You Need
Having these tools ready makes cooking easier:
• Large pot – Used to boil pasta evenly.
• Large skillet or pan – For cooking shrimp and making the sauce.
• Colander or strainer – To drain pasta and corn.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Keep ingredient balance accurate.
• Cheese grater – Helps achieve freshly grated parmesan for smoother sauce.
How to Make Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup?
This section walks you through the process clearly so the recipe comes together smoothly. Each step builds flavor and texture for a perfect final dish.
Cook the Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil and cook the cavatappi according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the sauce. Slightly firm pasta prevents mushiness when mixed later.
Season and Cook the Shrimp
Coat shrimp evenly with blackened seasoning. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook shrimp until pink with slightly charred edges, about 4–6 minutes. Remove from heat once cooked to avoid rubbery texture.
Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat and pour heavy cream into the same pan, scraping flavorful bits from the bottom. Stir in tomato paste, sour cream, and parmesan cheese until smooth. Let the sauce gently thicken.
Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta and drained corn into the sauce, then return shrimp to the pan. Toss gently so the pasta becomes fully coated with creamy sauce and flavors blend evenly.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped green onions over the pasta and serve immediately while warm. The garnish adds freshness and color that make the dish visually inviting.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
After making this recipe several times, here are some helpful tips I always follow:
• I make sure not to overcook shrimp so they stay juicy and tender.
• I heavily salt pasta water so the noodles taste flavorful even before adding sauce.
• I always grate cheese fresh because it melts smoother and tastes better.
• I sometimes save a bit of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
• I let the sauce simmer gently instead of boiling so it stays creamy.
How to Serve Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe?
Serve the pasta in shallow bowls so the sauce spreads nicely around the noodles. Add extra parmesan and a light sprinkle of seasoning on top for presentation. Garlic bread or a crisp green salad makes an excellent side, turning this into a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
Here is an approximate nutrition breakdown per serving:
• Calories – Around 650 calories per serving
• Protein – High thanks to shrimp and cheese
• Carbohydrates – Moderate from pasta and corn
• Fat – Rich and creamy due to cream and butter
Make Ahead and Storage
Proper storage keeps leftovers tasting great for later meals.
Storing: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it tasty the next day.
Freezing: Cream sauces can separate when frozen, so freezing is not ideal. If needed, freeze shrimp and pasta separately and prepare fresh sauce later.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess and prevent drying out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe stands out for many reasons, and here are the biggest ones:
• Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights while still feeling special.
• Combines creamy comfort with bold spicy shrimp for a satisfying flavor contrast.
• Flexible ingredients allow easy customization depending on dietary needs or pantry items.
• Impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for everyday cooking.
• Comforting, hearty, and satisfying without requiring complicated cooking techniques.
Enjoy making this Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi at home, and don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your most requested meals!
Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Bring salted water to a boil and cook the cavatappi according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the sauce. Slightly firm pasta prevents mushiness when mixed later.
- Coat shrimp evenly with blackened seasoning. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook shrimp until pink with slightly charred edges, about 4–6 minutes. Remove from heat once cooked to avoid rubbery texture.
- Lower the heat and pour heavy cream into the same pan, scraping flavorful bits from the bottom. Stir in tomato paste, sour cream, and parmesan cheese until smooth. Let the sauce gently thicken.
- Add cooked pasta and drained corn into the sauce, then return shrimp to the pan. Toss gently so the pasta becomes fully coated with creamy sauce and flavors blend evenly.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions over the pasta and serve immediately while warm. The garnish adds freshness and color that make the dish visually inviting.
Notes
- I make sure not to overcook shrimp so they stay juicy and tender.
- I heavily salt pasta water so the noodles taste flavorful even before adding sauce.
- I always grate cheese fresh because it melts smoother and tastes better.
- I sometimes save a bit of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
- I let the sauce simmer gently instead of boiling so it stays creamy.