Oh my goodness, have you ever tried blackened shrimp cavatappi? It’s one of those dishes that just makes my heart sing! Imagine perfectly cooked cavatappi pasta tossed with succulent shrimp, all coated in that spicy blackened seasoning that packs a punch! It’s creamy, it’s zesty, and let me tell you, it’s so quick to whip up that you’ll be enjoying it in just about 30 minutes. This dish is not just satisfying to your taste buds; it’s also a feast for the eyes with colorful cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a go-to weeknight dinner that your family will love—and you won’t mind making it again and again!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz cavatappi pasta – this fun, corkscrew-shaped pasta holds onto the sauce beautifully!
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined – make sure to get the freshest shrimp you can find for the best flavor.
- 2 tbsp blackened seasoning – this is where the magic happens! Adjust to your spice preference.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for that perfect sizzle and to help the shrimp cook evenly.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – these little bursts of sweetness are a must!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – this adds a rich, creamy texture that balances the spice.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – for that cheesy goodness that ties it all together.
- Salt and pepper to taste – essential for bringing out all the vibrant flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish – it adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving!
How to Prepare Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious blackened shrimp cavatappi! It’s a straightforward process that’ll have you feeling like a pro in the kitchen. Just follow these steps, and I promise you’ll be savoring every flavorful bite in no time!
Cooking the Cavatappi Pasta
First things first, you’ll want to get that pasta going! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in 8 ounces of cavatappi pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes for al dente perfection. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking! When it’s done, drain the pasta but save a little pasta water—just in case you need to loosen up your sauce later!
Preparing the Shrimp
While your pasta is cooking, let’s focus on the shrimp! In a mixing bowl, grab that pound of peeled and deveined shrimp and sprinkle on 2 tablespoons of blackened seasoning. Give them a good toss to coat every piece evenly—this is where the flavor magic happens! Now, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot (you’ll see a shimmer), add the shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn that beautiful pink color and are just opaque. Trust me, you’ll know they’re done when they smell incredible and look irresistible!
Combining Ingredients
Now that your shrimp is ready, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the shrimp. Cook for another 2 minutes until those tomatoes start to soften and burst. Then, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mixing everything well. Finally, toss in your drained cavatappi pasta and combine thoroughly. If it feels a bit thick, don’t hesitate to splash in a little of that reserved pasta water! Season with salt and pepper to taste, and finish off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving. Voila, you’ve got a mouthwatering dish ready to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Packed with bold flavors from the blackened seasoning that’ll tantalize your taste buds.
- Creamy and comforting, it’s a dish that feels indulgent without being too heavy.
- Loaded with protein from the shrimp and healthy ingredients like cherry tomatoes.
- Visually stunning with vibrant colors, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
- Customizable! You can easily swap shrimp for chicken or veggies based on your preferences.
Tips for Success
To make your blackened shrimp cavatappi truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of blackened seasoning based on your spice tolerance—add a little more if you like a kick! If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen works just fine; just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. I also love adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving to brighten up the flavors. And if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, swap the shrimp for some sautéed bell peppers or zucchini—delicious! Trust me, these little tweaks can take your dish to the next level!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying blackened shrimp cavatappi, it’s nice to know what you’re putting on your plate! Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving, keeping in mind that these can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
These values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the hearty, satisfying nature of this dish! It’s a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and that creamy goodness, making it a delightful addition to your dinner rotation.
FAQ Section
Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! If shrimp isn’t your thing or you just want to switch it up, chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. Simply cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, season with the blackened spice, and cook until they’re golden and cooked through. You could also try using firm tofu or even sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a vegetarian option. The key is to ensure whatever protein you choose cooks evenly and absorbs that fabulous flavor!
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Making blackened shrimp cavatappi gluten-free is super easy! Just swap out the regular cavatappi pasta for a gluten-free version—many brands offer great options made from rice or chickpeas that work beautifully. Just be sure to check the package for cooking instructions, as gluten-free pasta can have different cooking times. And that’s it! You’ll have a delicious dish that everyone can enjoy!
What can I serve with blackened shrimp cavatappi?
This dish is so satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up all that creamy goodness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the flavors beautifully. And for a little extra zing, a squeeze of lemon over the top just before serving can elevate the whole experience!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your blackened shrimp cavatappi, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra cream to loosen up the sauce if needed. Stir it occasionally until it’s warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, but I find the stovetop method keeps the texture nicer. Enjoy every delicious bite again!
Leave a Comment
I’d love to hear what you think about this blackened shrimp cavatappi! Have you tried making it? What did you love most? If you have any questions or tips from your own kitchen adventures, please share! Your thoughts might inspire someone else to whip up this delicious dish!
Imprimer
Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi: 5 Bold Flavors You’ll Crave
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A flavorful dish featuring shrimp and cavatappi pasta with a spicy blackened seasoning.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz cavatappi pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp blackened seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook cavatappi pasta according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with blackened seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Add garlic and cherry tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing well.
- Add cooked cavatappi to the skillet and combine thoroughly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the level of blackened seasoning to your taste.
- Can substitute shrimp with chicken or vegetables.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 200mg
Mots-clés: blackened shrimp cavatappi
