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Spicy Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi

Spicy Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi for a Flavorful Night In

Spicy Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi is a comforting, flavorful dish that elevates weeknight dinners with bold spices and creamy sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Cavatappi Pasta Substitute with gluten-free pasta if desired
For the Shrimp
  • 1 lb Shrimp Peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Essential for cooking the shrimp
For the Spice Mix
  • 2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper Adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Shredded
For Garnishing
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley Chopped
  • 1 Lemon Wedges

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil and the spice mix. Toss well to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until opaque and charred. Transfer to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, letting it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Whisk in the Parmesan until melted.
  5. Gently fold the cooked cavatappi and blackened shrimp into the creamy sauce, mixing well. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  6. Remove skillet from heat. Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh parsley and offering lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.

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