Cajun Shrimp Scampi

Cajun Shrimp Scampi combines juicy shrimp with garlic, butter, lemon, and bold Cajun seasoning, finished with a silky sauce and fresh parsley. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough for guests.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Scampi Sauce

4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
½ cup chicken broth or seafood stock
½ cup dry white wine — optional
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp red pepper flakes — optional
¼ cup heavy cream — optional, for a creamy sauce
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese — optional
Salt, to taste

For Serving

12 oz (340 g) linguine or spaghetti
Lemon wedges
Extra parsley
Parmesan cheese

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.

Place them in a bowl and toss with:

Cajun seasoning
Smoked paprika
Black pepper
Olive oil

Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated.

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.

Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water.

Drain the pasta and set aside.

3. Sear the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer.

Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque.

Don’t overcook them.

Transfer the shrimp to a plate.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium.

Add the butter to the same skillet.

Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes.

Cook for about 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.

Be careful not to burn the garlic.

5. Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the chicken broth and white wine if using.

Scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to loosen all those flavorful browned bits.

Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

6. Add Lemon and Cream

Stir in the fresh lemon juice.

For a creamy Cajun scampi, add the heavy cream and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

7. Combine Everything

Return the shrimp to the skillet.

Add the cooked pasta and toss gently until everything is coated in the Cajun garlic-butter sauce.

Add Parmesan if desired.

Cook for another 1–2 minutes.

Taste and adjust the Cajun seasoning, salt, lemon juice, or pepper.

8. Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat.

Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra Parmesan.

🌶️ Make It Extra Cajun

For a stronger Cajun flavor, add:

½ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder

For a spicy version, add sliced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.

⭐ Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi

Don’t overcook the shrimp. They are ready as soon as they become opaque and form a loose “C” shape.
Pat shrimp dry before seasoning so they sear instead of steaming.
Use fresh garlic and fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
Reserve pasta water—it helps loosen and emulsify the sauce.
If you don’t want alcohol, simply replace the wine with extra chicken broth or seafood stock.
Add the Parmesan at the end rather than boiling it in the sauce.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4