If you love bold flavors and comforting pasta dishes, this Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Imagine perfectly seasoned shrimp cooked with a punch of blackened spice, tossed in a creamy, cheesy sauce with sweet corn and nestled around perfectly twisted cavatappi noodles. It’s a vibrant, hearty meal that dazzles the senses with every bite, combining smoky heat, velvety texture, and a splash of freshness from green onions. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends on the weekend, this recipe delivers both ease and incredible flavor in one pot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish uses a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that work together beautifully. Each one adds a specific layer of flavor, texture, or color that makes this Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe so unforgettable.
- 8 ounces cavatappi noodles: These corkscrew-shaped pasta pieces hold onto the creamy sauce wonderfully for every bite to be flavorful.
- 1 pound large shrimp: Fresh, deveined, and tails removed, shrimp provide a tender protein with a naturally sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with blackened seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning: A perfectly spiced blend that gives the shrimp a smoky, slightly spicy crust that’s the star of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps cook the shrimp to golden perfection without overpowering their natural taste.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky base of the sauce that coats every noodle and shrimp perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds a subtle depth of flavor and slight tanginess that balances the creaminess.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Brings a gentle tang and creaminess that brightens the sauce without making it heavy.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated: Melts into the sauce to add nutty, savory richness with a little sharp bite.
- 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained: Adds a pop of natural sweetness and slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the spiced shrimp.
- Green onion, chopped: Fresh garnish that adds a burst of color and mild onion flavor for a finishing touch.
How to Make Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking your cavatappi noodles until they are perfectly al dente, about 8 to 9 minutes. This ensures your pasta has just the right bite, ready to soak up all the delicious sauce later. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside so it’s ready to combine with the shrimp and sauce.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with the blackened seasoning until every piece is well coated. This step is key to infusing the shrimp with the signature smoky, spicy flavors that make this recipe stand out.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 4 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides get that beautiful blackened crust. Cook until the shrimp are fully opaque and just cooked through, then transfer them to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up any flavorful browned bits left from cooking the shrimp – these add incredible depth. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the tomato paste, sour cream, and parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes velvety smooth.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and the drained sweet corn to the skillet with your rich sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so each noodle and shrimp piece is coated in that creamy goodness and warmed through.
Step 6: Plate and Garnish
Transfer the Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi to plates or bowls, then sprinkle generously with chopped green onions. This fresh garnish not only adds a pop of vibrant color but also provides a satisfying mild crunch that pairs beautifully with the spicy shrimp.
How to Serve Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions are an absolute must for this dish. Their delicate sharpness complements the spicy shrimp and creamy sauce perfectly. For an extra layer of flavor, you might add a light sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice. These simple touches brighten the dish and add a fresh finish.
Side Dishes
For sides, consider something light and crisp to contrast the richness of the Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli are great choices. If you want to keep things classic, garlic bread or crusty baguette slices make lovely vessels for soaking up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to turn this into a show-stopping dish, serve the Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi in individual cast-iron skillets or hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic vibe. You could also arrange it on a large platter and sprinkle with extra parmesan and microgreens for a festive, family-style presentation. The twists of pasta and vibrant shrimp really shine when plated with a little flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld nicely overnight, though the pasta may absorb some sauce, so adding a splash of cream or milk when reheating can help revive the texture.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce means this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place portions in a freezer-safe container and keep them frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a little added cream to maintain creaminess.
Reheating
For reheating, the stovetop is your best friend. Warm the Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of heavy cream or milk if the sauce looks too thick. Microwave works in a pinch but may change the sauce texture slightly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cavatappi is great because its spirals hold onto the sauce, penne, fusilli, or rotini would be excellent alternatives that also capture the creamy sauce well.
Is blackened seasoning spicy?
Blackened seasoning does have a spicy kick, thanks to ingredients like paprika, cayenne, and black pepper. If you prefer less heat, you can tone it down by reducing the amount or choosing a milder blend.
Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
Heavy cream contributes to the rich, silky sauce here, but if you want a lighter option, try half-and-half or whole milk combined with a little flour or cornstarch to help thicken the sauce. Keep in mind the texture and richness will be different.
How do I know when shrimp are cooked properly?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque with slightly curled tails. Overcooking makes them tough, so cook for 4-6 minutes depending on size and thickness for tender results.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can cook and drain the pasta ahead of time and store it separately. Seasoning the shrimp can also be done in advance. However, it’s best to cook the shrimp and prepare the sauce just before serving to keep the flavors bright and textures perfect.
Final Thoughts
This Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and comforting, with a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone who loves bold flavors and easy, satisfying meals. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner or entertaining showstopper that everyone will ask you to make again and again!
Print
Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi is a creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender shrimp coated in bold blackened seasoning and tossed in a rich sauce made with heavy cream, tomato paste, sour cream, and parmesan. Combined with sweet corn and perfectly cooked cavatappi noodles, it creates a satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare in under 30 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
Other
- 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained
- Green onion, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook cavatappi noodles until al dente, about 8 to 9 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Season Shrimp: Toss the raw, deveined shrimp in blackened seasoning making sure they are evenly coated for that signature spicy flavor.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt unsalted butter. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through until shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Lower the skillet heat to medium and pour in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any flavorful browned bits. Reduce heat to low and stir in tomato paste, sour cream, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the parmesan melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked cavatappi, shrimp, and drained sweet corn to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat evenly and warm through.
- Serve: Plate the pasta mixture, garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of flavor, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh green onions.
- Adjust blackened seasoning quantity to your preferred spice level.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- You can substitute coconut cream for heavy cream to make a dairy-free version.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently on stovetop.
