Quick & Flavorful Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe That Wows

Blackened shrimp cavatappi converts ordinary pasta into a culinary adventure that dances with bold, fiery flavors and rich textures.

Sizzling spices coat succulent seafood, creating a mouthwatering experience that ignites taste buds with intense heat and depth.

The unique combination of crispy, charred shrimp and spiraled pasta delivers a perfect balance of crunch and tenderness.

Cajun-inspired seasonings infuse each bite with a powerful punch that elevates this dish from simple meal to extraordinary feast.

Unexpected ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a harmonious symphony of taste that challenges traditional pasta expectations.

Skilled home cooks can easily replicate this restaurant-quality dish with minimal preparation and maximum impact.

A perfect dinner solution awaits those craving something extraordinary.

Tips for Bold Flavor and Al Dente Pasta

• Select Fresh Shrimp: Choose large, deveined shrimp for consistent cooking and optimal flavor absorption.
• Master Blackening Technique: Ensure skillet is hot before adding seasoned shrimp to create a perfect crispy exterior without burning.
• Control Cream Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce gently to prevent separation and maintain a silky, smooth texture.
• Balance Seasoning Carefully: Use high-quality blackened seasoning and taste before final mixing to adjust salt and spice levels.
• Timing is Crucial: Cook shrimp just until pink and firm to prevent rubbery texture and maintain tender, juicy meat.

Store and Reheat Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Without Overcooking

• Refrigeration: Store leftover blackened shrimp cavatappi in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal flavor.
• Reheating on Stovetop: Gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking.
• Microwave Option: Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Cover with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture and prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery. Enjoy within 1-2 days for best taste and texture.

Pairing Ideas for Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi

• Sip Crisp White Wine: Pair the blackened shrimp cavatappi with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the creamy sauce and complement the spicy shrimp.
• Refresh with Citrus Mocktail: Create a zesty lemon-lime spritzer with sparkling water and fresh herbs to balance the rich, creamy pasta and provide a cooling contrast to the blackened seasoning.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Add a side of warm, toasted garlic bread to soak up the luxurious sauce and provide a crunchy texture that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Match with Arugula Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a peppery, tangy element that brightens the creamy pasta and helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Unique Takes on the Shrimp and Pasta Combo

• Cajun Chicken Cavatappi: Replace shrimp with diced chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, creating a hearty protein-packed meal that maintains the creamy sauce's richness.
• Mediterranean Veggie Cavatappi: Swap shrimp for roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and artichoke hearts, incorporating feta cheese and fresh herbs for a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Andouille Sausage Cavatappi: Substitute shrimp with sliced andouille sausage, adding a smoky, spicy kick that complements the creamy sauce and brings a Louisana-style flair to the dish.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Cavatappi: Use sautéed mixed mushrooms instead of shrimp, leveraging their meaty texture and umami flavor to create a satisfying plant-based alternative with the same creamy sauce.

Why Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Is Bursting with Flavor

• Blast Spicy Seafood Flavor: The blackened seasoning transforms ordinary shrimp into a bold, zesty protein that delivers a punch of Cajun-inspired taste without overwhelming heat.
• Create Creamy Comfort in Minutes: This recipe crafts a luxurious sauce using heavy cream, parmesan, and sour cream that coats pasta perfectly, offering restaurant-quality indulgence with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize Quick Weeknight Delight: With just one skillet and straightforward steps, home cooks can whip up a gourmet-style meal in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings when craving something special but short on time.
• Celebrate Texture Harmony: Tender shrimp, al dente cavatappi pasta, and sweet corn kernels combine to create a delightful mix of textures that keep every bite interesting and satisfying.

Ingredients That Bring Out the Best in Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi

• Cavatappi Noodles: Curly, twisted pasta shape perfect for holding creamy sauces and capturing flavors.

• Shrimp: Fresh, medium-sized seafood that cooks quickly and absorbs blackened seasoning beautifully. Wild-caught or farm-raised options work well.
• Parmesan Cheese: Hard, aged cheese that adds rich, salty depth to the creamy sauce. Freshly grated provides best melting and flavor.

• Blackened Seasoning: Spicy blend combining paprika, cayenne, and herbs for bold, warm shrimp flavor. Store-bought or homemade works great.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning pasta water and enhancing overall dish taste.
• Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for cooking shrimp and adding depth to sauce.

• Heavy Cream: Thick, rich dairy product creating smooth, luxurious sauce texture.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds depth and slight tangy note to sauce.
• Sour Cream: Creamy, tangy ingredient that helps thicken and balance sauce.

• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that adds bright color and light crunch.
• Sweet Corn: Adds natural sweetness and texture to the final dish.

How to Cook Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi to Perfection

Step 1: Boil the Cavatappi

Add cavatappi noodles to a pot of salted boiling water. Cook until al dente following package instructions, typically 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season the Seafood

Evenly coat shrimp with blackened seasoning, ensuring each piece is well-covered.

Step 3: Sizzle the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Melt butter until it’s bubbling. Carefully place seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook 4-6 minutes, turning midway, until shrimp are fully cooked and have a beautiful golden-brown color. Transfer to a plate.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Pour heavy cream and gently simmer, scraping up the delicious browned bits from the pan.

Step 5: Develop the Sauce

• Tomato paste
• Sour cream
• Grated parmesan

Stir until parmesan melts completely and sauce becomes silky smooth.

Step 6: Combine and Plate

• Cooked pasta
• Seared shrimp
• Sweet corn

Toss until everything is beautifully coated. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty blackened shrimp dance over spiraled cavatappi pasta, creating a spicy Southern-inspired masterpiece. Caribbean-style seasonings and smoky charred edges make this dish irresistible for lovers of bold, complex flavors you’ll devour with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 g) large shrimp, raw, deveined, tail removed

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces (227 g) cavatappi noodles, cooked al dente
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 g) sweet corn, drained

Seasonings and Dairy:

• 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 cup (238 g) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ¼ cup (57.5 g) sour cream
• ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated
• Green onion, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Submerge cavatappi pasta into a generously salted pot of boiling water, cooking for 8-9 minutes until achieving an al dente texture. Carefully drain the noodles and reserve for later assembly.
2. Liberally coat raw shrimp with blackened seasoning, ensuring an even distribution of spices across each seafood morsel.
3. Melt unsalted butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a golden cooking surface. Arrange seasoned shrimp in a single layer, allowing each piece to develop a rich caramelized exterior. Cook approximately 4-6 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee uniform preparation. Relocate perfectly cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
4. Reduce skillet temperature to medium and introduce heavy cream. Gently simmer the liquid, methodically scraping accumulated browned fragments from the pan’s surface to intensify flavor profiles.
5. Lower heat to minimal setting, then incorporate tomato paste, tangy sour cream, and finely grated parmesan cheese. Whisk continuously until cheese dissolves completely, creating a velvety, uniform sauce.
6. Incorporate cooked cavatappi, seared shrimp, and sweet corn kernels into the creamy mixture. Thoroughly toss ingredients to ensure comprehensive coating with sauce.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, serving immediately to preserve optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Quick meal packed with bold flavors that comes together in just 20 minutes.
• Blackened seasoning transforms ordinary shrimp into a spicy, restaurant-quality centerpiece.
• Heavy cream and parmesan create a luxuriously rich sauce that clings perfectly to cavatappi pasta.
• Sweet corn adds unexpected bursts of freshness and subtle sweetness to balance the spicy shrimp.
• One-skillet technique minimizes cleanup and allows layers of flavor to develop naturally.
• Serve immediately for the best texture, as the creamy sauce can thicken quickly when cooling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 640 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 320 mg