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
Scale
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.
