Cajun Shrimp Linguine

Submitted by Trisha J.

"From Cooking Light May 2016. Classic Cajun flavors-the smoky spicy seasoning, sweet shrimp; and onion, green bell pepper and celery trinity-give this pasta toss a New Orleans vibe. A jolt of ground red pepper spices things up nicely while creamy half and half smooths out the edges."

 

• Ready In: 55mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Yields: 1 1/2 cups each
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 6 ounces whole-grain linguine or 6 ounces fettuccine pasta
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1⁄2 cup thinly sliced celery
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
• 3⁄8 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 3⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can unsalted diced tomatoes, drained
• 1⁄2 cup half-and-half

directions

1. 1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain in a colander over a bowl, reserving 1/3 cup pasta cooking liquid.
2. 2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Combine Cajun seasoning and shrimp in a medium bowl; toss to coat. Add 1 tablespoons oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add shrimp mixture to pan; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until shrimp are done. Remove shrimp mixture from pan. Wipe pan clean with paper towels.
3. 3. Add remaining 1 tablespoons oil to pan; swirl. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and 1 tablespoons thyme; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add red pepper and garlic; cook 3 minutes. Add reserved 1/3 cup cooking liquid, salt, bay leaves, and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes or until thickened. Discard bay leaves. Remove pan from heat; stir in shrimp and pasta. Stir in half-and-half. Cook 1 minute over medium heat or until thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 tsp thyme.
4. Place all ingredients in your favorite serving dish and enjoy.

Reviews

[DinnerBelle]

I made this exactly as directed, except that I had no fresh thyme so I substituted dried. It was simple to put together and came out great! My husband asked me to make sure to make it again.