Creamy Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi combines spicy blackened shrimp with a creamy, tomato-infused sauce and cavatappi pasta, accented with sweet corn for a full-flavored dish that’s irresistible.
Crafting the Dish
Begin by cooking the cavatappi pasta to al dente perfection. Season fresh shrimp with a homemade blackened spice mix to introduce a zesty kick. The sauce is enriched with heavy cream and a hint of tomato from tomato paste, finished with sweet corn for added texture and sweetness. This dish is bound to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Ingredients Selection
- Pasta: Cavatappi is ideal for its ability to hold the creamy sauce, though any tubular pasta will work well.
- Shrimp: Opt for raw, deveined shrimp for the best flavor. You can devein shrimp yourself by making a shallow slit along the back and removing the vein.
- Blackened Seasoning: This unique blend is essential for the dish’s signature kick. If unavailable, you can easily prepare your own.
- Heavy Cream: Essential for the sauce’s richness, substituting with whole milk or 2% milk is possible, though it will alter the sauce’s texture slightly.
- Tomato Paste: Helps thicken the sauce without the need for a slurry.
- Corn: Canned corn adds a sweet crunch, but thawed frozen corn is an acceptable substitute.
Using Pre-Cooked Frozen Shrimp
While possible, using pre-cooked frozen shrimp is not recommended. If used, avoid cooking it further; simply thaw and warm it in the sauce to prevent it from becoming rubbery.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to 3 days.
Ingredients
- Cavatappi Noodles: 8 ounces, cooked al dente (follow package instructions)
- Large Shrimp: 1 pound (454 g), raw, deveined, tail removed
- Blackened Seasoning: 2 tablespoons
- Unsalted Butter: 1 tablespoon
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (238 g)
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Sour Cream: ¼ cup (57.5 g)
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (50 g), grated
- Sweet Corn: 1 can (15 ounces), drained
- Green Onion: Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta: Cook cavatappi in boiling salted water until al dente, typically 8-9 minutes.
- Season Shrimp: Evenly sprinkle blackened seasoning on shrimp and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add shrimp in a single layer, cooking 4-6 minutes, flipping once until cooked through. Remove shrimp to a plate.
- Create Sauce: In the same skillet, add heavy cream and bring to a low simmer, stirring to loosen browned bits. Reduce heat to low; incorporate tomato paste, sour cream, and parmesan until the cheese melts.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked pasta, shrimp, and corn to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onion and serve warm.
This Creamy Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi is a delightful meal that combines simple ingredients into a dish bursting with flavor, perfect for any occasion.
