If you’re craving something bursting with bold flavors, creamy texture, and a touch of spice, the Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi with Creamy Tomato Parmesan Sauce Recipe is here to steal the spotlight. Picture perfectly seasoned, juicy shrimp with a crisp blackened crust curled up with springy cavatappi pasta, all embraced by a luscious tomato-infused parmesan cream sauce that sings comfort and indulgence. This dish tastes like a celebration in your mouth and comes together faster than you’d expect, making it an absolute favorite for busy weeknights or impressing friends at dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its thoughtful simplicity—every ingredient plays a crucial role in layering flavors, building texture, and adding vibrant colors that make your meal as exciting to look at as it is to eat.
- 8 ounces cavatappi noodles: These corkscrew-shaped noodles trap the creamy sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is decadently coated.
- 1 pound large shrimp, raw and deveined: Shrimp provides a succulent, protein-packed star element with a naturally sweet flavor enhanced by blackened spices.
- 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning: A smoky, spicy blend that gives the shrimp its signature bold crust and unforgettable kick.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps achieve that golden sear on the shrimp while contributing subtle creaminess.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The luscious base for the sauce, adding smoothness and body to balance the spices.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and deepens the sauce’s color, adding a slight tanginess.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Adds a delicate tang and extra creaminess to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated: Sharp and nutty, parmesan melts into the sauce, enriching it with umami and silky texture.
- 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained: Provides bursts of natural sweetness and a bit of crunch, making the dish even more dynamic.
- Green onion, chopped: Used as a fresh, crisp garnish to brighten every plate visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi with Creamy Tomato Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. The salt seasons the pasta from within, enhancing its natural flavor. Cook the cavatappi noodles until they’re al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 9 minutes—this means they’ll be tender but still have a little bite, perfect for holding the creamy sauce. Drain and set aside while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
Grab your shrimp and give them a generous toss in blackened seasoning. Make sure every piece is well coated; this seasoning blend is the magic behind the bold, smoky taste that makes this recipe a standout. The aroma alone will get your taste buds tingling!
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter until it starts to foam. Lay the shrimp in a single layer so they sear properly instead of steaming. Cook for about 4 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn opaque and develop a gorgeous blackened crust. When they’re perfectly cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set them aside—don’t worry, they’ll be back soon.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. As the cream simmers, use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently scrape up the flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan; those bits are little flavor treasures that add richness. Lower the heat and stir in the tomato paste, sour cream, and parmesan cheese until the parmesan melts smoothly and the sauce becomes thick and velvety.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
Now, it’s time for the grand reunion—add the cooked pasta, blackened shrimp, and drained sweet corn into the sauce. Toss everything carefully to ensure every curly noodle and plump shrimp is perfectly coated with that creamy tomato parmesan goodness and warmed through. This step truly transforms the dish into something irresistible.
Step 6: Serve
Spoon the pasta and shrimp into bowls or onto plates. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh, mildly sharp contrast that cuts through the richness. Serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting—you won’t want to wait to dive in!
How to Serve Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi with Creamy Tomato Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with freshly chopped green onions not only adds a pop of vibrant green color but also provides a subtle sharpness that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. For an extra touch, a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the dish and enhance its flavors even further.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp, refreshing side salad with a simple vinaigrette works wonders to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is also a fantastic choice for scooping up any leftover sauce and rounding out the meal with comforting carbs.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi with Creamy Tomato Parmesan Sauce Recipe in small, individual ramekins for a dinner party setting, garnished with microgreens for elegance. Alternatively, adding roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed spinach can enhance both the presentation and nutritional profile without stealing the spotlight from the star ingredients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After you’ve enjoyed your meal, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them. The creamy sauce might thicken overnight, but a little gentle reheating with a splash of milk or cream will bring it back to that silky consistency you love. Leftovers should be good for up to 3 days.
Freezing
While the Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi with Creamy Tomato Parmesan Sauce Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Freeze in portion-sized containers, but be aware that the texture of the shrimp may change slightly upon thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of heavy cream or water to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent the sauce from separating. Avoid high heat to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cavatappi is perfect for capturing the sauce, other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli will also work well. Choose your favorite shape that can hold onto the sauce nicely.
Is blackened seasoning spicy?
Blackened seasoning typically has a moderate level of heat with smoky, earthy undertones. If you prefer milder dishes, you can adjust the amount or use a milder spice blend without losing flavor.
Can I substitute sour cream in the sauce?
Yes, if you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt or crème fraîche are great substitutes that will maintain the creamy, tangy element of the sauce.
How do I make the shrimp less rubbery?
Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat just until they turn opaque and curl up; overcooking is the biggest culprit for rubbery shrimp, so keep a close eye during cooking.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It is, but freezing may slightly alter the shrimp’s texture and change the sauce consistency. For best quality, enjoy fresh or refrigerate leftovers instead.
Final Thoughts
This Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi with Creamy Tomato Parmesan Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and homey at the same time. It brings together exciting flavors, luscious textures, and a vibrant presentation that never fails to impress. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is an absolute gem that deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi with Creamy Tomato Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish featuring spicy, perfectly cooked blackened shrimp tossed with tender cavatappi noodles and a rich tomato cream sauce enhanced with parmesan and sour cream. Sweet corn adds a touch of sweetness, while green onions offer a fresh garnish, making it a satisfying meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces cavatappi noodles, cooked al dente according to package instructions
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, raw, deveined, tail removed
- 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Sauce
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ cup (57.5 g) sour cream
- ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated
Additional
- 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained
- Green onion, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the cavatappi noodles until al dente, approximately 8-9 minutes. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set aside for later use.
- Season the Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, toss the raw, deveined, and tail-removed shrimp with the blackened seasoning until evenly coated to ensure a flavorful crust during cooking.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the unsalted butter. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they become opaque and fully cooked. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to infuse flavor. Lower the heat to low and stir in the tomato paste, sour cream, and grated parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the parmesan has completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, cooked shrimp, and drained sweet corn to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss all the ingredients gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and warmed through.
- Serve: Transfer the Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi onto plates or bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its best.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are cooked until opaque but not overcooked to keep them tender and juicy.
- Blackened seasoning can be adjusted to taste for spiciness.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- Drain the canned corn well to avoid excess liquid in the sauce.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables.
