Cajun Shrimp Spaghetti
My Cajun Shrimp Spaghetti is smokey, spicy, and full of flavor. The sauce is the winner here, so feel free to pair this with your favorite protein.
GLUTEN FREE DINNER RECIPE
6/22/20262 min read
Cajun Shrimp Spaghetti
Creamy, smoky, and packed with bold Cajun flavor, this Cajun Dirty Spaghetti with Shrimp is an easy weeknight dinner made with simple ingredients. Tender shrimp, colorful bell peppers, onions, and gluten-free spaghetti are tossed in a rich dairy-free Cajun sauce made with coconut milk. It's comforting, flavorful, and perfect for anyone looking for a gluten-free and dairy-free pasta recipe with a little Southern flair.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredient Breakdown
Gluten-Free Spaghetti
The hearty base of the dish that soaks up all of the creamy Cajun sauce. Of course, whole wheat spaghetti works too. Use your favorite brand.
Shrimp
Adds protein and cooks quickly, making this a fast weeknight meal.
Red & Yellow Bell Peppers
Provides sweetness and color while balancing the spice.
Red Onion
Creates the savory foundation of the sauce.
Garlic
Brings depth and aroma to every bite. My recipes are always garlic heavy so add to your taste.
Full-Fat Coconut Milk
Creates a rich, creamy dairy-free sauce. Heavy cream works here for a dairy option, but I advise to try this with the coconut milk, it has a slight sweetness that heavy cream can lack, and you truly don't taste the coconut.
Homemade Cajun Seasoning
Delivers smoky, spicy flavor throughout the dish.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
12 oz gluten-free spaghetti
1.5 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 bell peppers, diced (I choose red & yellow)
1 medium red onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
1 (13.5 oz) can Petite Diced Tomatoes
Homemade Cajun Seasoning
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Season the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in a bowl and toss with half of the Cajun seasoning mixture.
2. Cook the Shrimp
Lightly oil and heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gluten-free spaghetti according to package directions.
4. Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet you cooked the shrimp, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
5. Make the Sauce
Sprinkle the remaining Cajun seasoning over the vegetables. Pour in the coconut milk and canned tomatoes and stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 to 8 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Combine Everything
Add the cooked spaghetti and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss until evenly coated in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
7. Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens the entire dish.
Full-fat coconut milk provides the creamiest texture. Light coconut milk will produce a thinner sauce.
If you prefer chicken or tofu, simply substitute diced chicken breast for the shrimp.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
