Juicy chicken topped with a creamy, cheesy Parmesan crust—this LongHorn-style Parmesan-Crusted Chicken tastes just like the steakhouse favorite, but better. No marinara, no frying, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect easy dinner recipe.

If you need a dinner that feels restaurant-level but comes together in under 30 minutes, this creamy Cajun shrimp pasta is it.

It’s bold. It’s creamy. It has that smoky Cajun heat. And the best part? We’re boosting it with bone broth collagen for extra protein and depth — without changing the flavor.

This is the kind of meal you make when you want something impressive… but you’re still cooking on a Wednesday.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Ready in 30 minutes
One pan sauce
Bold Cajun flavor without overpowering heat
Creamy but balanced
High-protein twist using bone broth collagen
Perfect for weeknights or entertaining

If you’ve ever felt stuck between “quick dinner” and “actually good dinner,” this bridges the gap.

What Makes This Recipe Different

Most creamy Cajun shrimp pasta recipes use heavy cream and broth — and that’s it.

Here’s what elevates this version:

Homemade Cajun seasoning (so you control the salt + heat)
Properly seared shrimp (no rubbery overcooked seafood)
Bone broth collagen instead of regular broth
Pasta water emulsification for that glossy restaurant sauce

We’re not just making pasta. We’re building layers.

here’s what you need

For the Shrimp

1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 tbsp olive oil

Homemade Cajun Seasoning

1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried oregano
¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Pasta

12 oz fettuccine or linguine
Salted pasta water (reserve 1 cup)

Creamy Bone Broth Sauce

2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ small shallot or onion, diced
½ cup hot water + 1 scoop bone broth collagen (chicken flavor works best)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
Juice of ½ lemon

Garnish

Fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan
Optional crushed red pepper

How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in well-salted water until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

Toss shrimp with olive oil and all Cajun seasoning.

Step 3: Sear

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked. Remove and set aside.

Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan. Shrimp should sear, not steam.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and sauté shallots until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

Whisk 1 scoop bone broth collagen with ½ cup hot water until dissolved. Pour into skillet and simmer for 1 minute.

Add heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Emulsify

Add pasta directly to the sauce. Slowly add reserved pasta water (¼ cup at a time) until glossy and creamy.

This is what makes the sauce cling to the noodles.

Step 6: Finish

Return shrimp to the pan. Toss gently. Add lemon juice at the end to brighten the richness.

Garnish and serve immediately.

What Does Bone Broth Collagen Do in This Recipe?

Instead of traditional boxed broth, we’re using Vitauthority bone broth collagen.

Why?

Adds protein
Adds savory depth
Blends seamlessly into hot liquids
Doesn’t thin the sauce
Keeps flavor clean

It’s a simple swap that makes this creamy pasta feel a little more balanced.

Tips for Perfect Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Use freshly grated Parmesan (pre-shredded won’t melt properly).
Add lemon juice at the end — never before cream thickens.
If sauce gets too thick, add more pasta water, not cream.
Taste and adjust salt last — Cajun seasoning brands vary.

How to Adjust the Heat

Mild: Skip cayenne.
Medium: ¼ tsp cayenne.
Spicy: ½ tsp cayenne + crushed red pepper on top.

Cooking for kids?

Make the sauce mild and add heat to individual plates.

Can I Make This Ahead?

You can prep:

Cajun seasoning mix
Clean and season shrimp
Measure sauce ingredients

But for best texture, this pasta is best served fresh.

What to Serve With Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Garlic bread
Roasted asparagus
Charred broccoli

Keep sides light — the pasta carries the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Just thaw fully and pat dry before seasoning.

Can I use half and half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but sauce will be slightly thinner. Use less pasta water.

Can I substitute chicken?

Absolutely. Thin-sliced chicken breast or thighs work beautifully.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free pasta and confirm seasoning is GF.

Dinner Shouldn’t Feel This Hard

Some nights you want fast. Some nights you want comfort.

This creamy Cajun shrimp pasta gives you both.

It’s bold enough for date night.
Easy enough for Tuesday.
And elevated enough that no one feels like you “just threw something together.”

If you make it, tag me @homecookvibe — I love seeing what’s happening in your kitchen.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (With Bone Broth Collagen) – Easy 30 Minute Dinner