If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with bold flavors, creamy textures, and a little Southern-inspired spice, you’re absolutely going to love this Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi with Creamy Tomato Parmesan Sauce Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of tender, perfectly cooked shrimp coated in smoky blackened seasoning, swirled through chewy cavatappi noodles, and all tied together with a luscious tomato parmesan sauce that’s so comforting yet exciting. This recipe is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a colorful, satisfying weeknight meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the irresistible flavor and texture of this dish. From the spice-packed blackened shrimp to the creamy, cheesy tomato sauce, everything works together beautifully.
- 8 ounces cavatappi noodles: This corkscrew-shaped pasta holds onto the sauce wonderfully, providing great texture and bite.
- 1 pound large shrimp, raw, deveined, tail removed: The star protein that absorbs the blackened seasoning and cooks up perfectly juicy.
- 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning: A fiery blend of spices that brings smoky, bold flavor to the shrimp.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness to the shrimp cooking process and enriches the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its velvety, luscious texture that clings to every noodle.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce’s taste and adds lovely color.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Brings a gentle tanginess to balance the richness of the cream and cheese.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated: Adds savory umami depth and a creamy finish to the sauce.
- 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained: Sweet bursts of corn kernels that add texture and a subtle sweetness.
- Green onion, chopped: A fresh, mild bite for garnish to brighten every forkful.
How to Make Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi with Creamy Tomato Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking the cavatappi noodles until they are perfectly al dente, about 8 to 9 minutes. This pasta’s fun shape means it holds onto sauce and toppings beautifully, so don’t overcook it—drain and set it aside to await its savory companion.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
Now, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp generously in the blackened seasoning. This step is key—each shrimp morsel will soak in that smoky, spicy flavor that defines this recipe. Make sure they are evenly coated for that perfect crust.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter to add a rich base for cooking. Lay the shrimp in a single layer, letting them sear for 4 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway through until they turn opaque and slightly charred on the outside. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate so you can focus on the sauce next.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium, and pour the heavy cream into the same skillet to pick up all those delicious browned bits left by the shrimp. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, then stir in the tomato paste, sour cream, and grated parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the parmesan melts fully and the sauce is silky smooth and rich with flavor.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
Add your cooked cavatappi noodles, blackened shrimp, and drained corn into the skillet with the creamy tomato parmesan sauce. Toss everything together gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated in that heavenly sauce and warmed through. This is where the magic happens—creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness all mixed in one pan.
Step 6: Serve
Dish out your Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi with Creamy Tomato Parmesan Sauce Recipe onto plates or bowls, and sprinkle generously with chopped green onions to add a fresh, mild crunch. Serve it hot for the ultimate comforting meal that’s sure to impress anyone at your table.
How to Serve Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi with Creamy Tomato Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions are a classic topping, but you can also add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra zing. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top really lifts the shrimp’s flavor and cuts through the richness of the sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, which helps balance the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce—don’t skip them!
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi in shallow bowls and drizzle a little extra sauce over the top. You could also plate it in individual mason jars or rustic cast iron skillets for a charming dinner party vibe that really wows the guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You’ll find that the flavors continue to meld, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
While freezing this dish isn’t ideal due to the cream sauce and pasta texture, you can freeze the cooked shrimp separately without sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently when ready to use.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently until heated through and creamy again.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of cavatappi?
Absolutely! While cavatappi is ideal for holding onto the sauce, other curly or tubular pastas like rotini, penne, or fusilli will work wonderfully as well.
How spicy is the blackened seasoning?
The spice level depends on the seasoning blend you use, but it generally has a nice kick without being overwhelming. You can always adjust by using less seasoning or choosing a milder blend.
Can I substitute shrimp with chicken or another protein?
Yes! Chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces can be seasoned and cooked just like the shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional cavatappi contains gluten, but you can swap in a gluten-free pasta brand to make the dish gluten-free while still enjoying all the flavors.
What can I do if I don’t have sour cream on hand?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute that will add similar tanginess and creaminess to the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi with Creamy Tomato Parmesan Sauce Recipe is one of those special dishes that manages to be comforting, exciting, and downright delicious all at once. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a cozy solo dinner, it’s a guaranteed winner that brings vibrant flavors and satisfying textures to your table. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes!
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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 perfectly seasoned shrimp cooked with blackened seasoning, tossed with al dente cavatappi noodles, a rich tomato cream sauce, sweet corn, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Finished with fresh green onions, this dish combines bold spices and comforting textures for an impressive yet easy meal 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
- 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained
Garnish
- Green onion, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook cavatappi noodles until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Season the Shrimp: Toss the raw shrimp in blackened seasoning until each piece is evenly coated, ensuring bold flavor throughout.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cook for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn opaque and are cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and place on a plate.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and pour heavy cream into the same skillet, bringing it to a simmer while scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Reduce heat to low, then stir in tomato paste, sour cream, and parmesan cheese until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and drained sweet corn to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture to plates or bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated.
- The blackened seasoning can be adjusted based on your spice preference.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Drain the canned corn well to prevent excess moisture in the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
