Name: Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Cottage Cheese Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 4 oz (112g) protein pasta, cooked, reserving 1 cup of pasta water; 2 tsp (8g) olive oil; 1 tsp Cajun seasoning; 1 lb (454g) shrimp, thawed and deveined; 1 (165g) red bell pepper, sliced; 1/3 cup (40g) scallions, sliced; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, optional; 1 cup (226g) low fat cottage cheese (2% lowfat); 1/2 cup (110g) 2% milk (substitute skim or whole milk if preferred); 1/4 cup (32g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Cajun seasoning

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for a pasta dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and packs a little protein punch without feeling heavy. That’s why the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Cottage Cheese Sauce Recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen. It’s got just the right balance of that spicy Cajun kick and a velvety sauce made from cottage cheese that feels indulgent but is actually a wholesome swap for heavier creams.

This recipe shines for weeknight dinners when you want something quick yet impressive. I love how the shrimp cooks super fast, and the cottage cheese sauce stays silky smooth with the help of parmesan and milk. It’s one of those recipes where the ingredients dance together perfectly, and you don’t have to sacrifice rich flavor for nutrition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Cottage Cheese Sauce Recipe is how simple ingredients come together for a big, bold flavor win. Each one plays a role, so sourcing fresh shrimp and quality spices will really take it to the next level.

Protein pasta: This keeps your meal high in protein but lighter than regular pasta. I love using chickpea or lentil pasta here.
Olive oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds a subtle fruitiness—it’s the base that brings everything together when sautéing.
Cajun seasoning: Feel free to use your favorite blend, or tweak the spices for more heat if you want it more fiery.
Shrimp: Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp works perfectly. Devein and pat dry so they sear well without steaming.
Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and crunch, balancing the spicy seasoning.
Scallions: Tossed in at the end for freshness and a gentle onion bite.
Dried thyme: A wonderful earthy note that deepens the flavor profile.
Paprika: Smoked or sweet paprika both work—adds a lovely warmth.
Cayenne pepper: Optional, but I like the extra heat to boost the Cajun vibe.
Low-fat cottage cheese (2%): The star of the sauce, it’s creamy without all the fat and adds protein.
Milk (2%): Thins out the sauce just right—use skim or whole for creamier texture.
Grated parmesan cheese: Umami bomb that makes the sauce silky and cheesy.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Cottage Cheese Sauce Recipe depending on what I have on hand or my mood. Feel free to make it your own — that’s the best part about cooking!

Variation: Swap shrimp for chicken or scallops if seafood’s not your thing—I’ve done it both ways and they all turn out great.
Dairy-free option: Try using a cottage cheese alternative or a cashew cream sauce to keep it creamy without dairy.
Veggie boost: Throw in zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrients.
Spice level: Adjust cayenne or use hot sauce to dial the Cajun heat up or down.
Herbs: Fresh parsley or cilantro sprinkled on top adds a fresh burst I can’t resist.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Cottage Cheese Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Protein Pasta Perfectly

Start by cooking your protein pasta according to package instructions. I always salt the water well to infuse some flavor upfront. Don’t forget to reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s gold for loosening the sauce later!

Step 2: Sauté Shrimp and Veggies with Cajun Flair

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then toss in shrimp seasoned with a teaspoon of Cajun spice. Let them sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and slightly crisp on edges. Remove and set aside, then in the same pan, add red bell pepper and scallions along with dried thyme, paprika, and cayenne. Stir and sauté just until tender but still vibrant—this only takes a few minutes.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cottage Cheese Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, milk, parmesan, and a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Blend until silky smooth—this creates a luscious sauce without using heavy cream. Pour this sauce into your skillet with the veggies and let it warm gently, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir everything well, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired creamy consistency. This trick helps the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully without getting watery.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Cottage Cheese Sauce Recipe

A white plate with a round rim holds a serving of spaghetti in the center, light cream in color and coated with sauce. Around and on top of the pasta, medium-sized orange shrimp are placed, along with small red pieces of tomato mixed in. Green chopped scallions are scattered evenly over the shrimp and pasta. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh garnishes here—some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro brightens up the dish and adds a lovely color contrast. Sometimes I sprinkle extra parmesan or even a squeeze of lemon juice to wake up the flavors before serving.

Side Dishes

This pasta is rich and flavorful, so I usually pair it with simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette on the side also works wonders if you want to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to plate this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Cottage Cheese Sauce Recipe in shallow bowls and garnish with whole grilled shrimp on top for drama. A drizzle of chili oil and a sprinkle of microgreens can really turn it into a restaurant-style presentation that impresses every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because of the cottage cheese sauce, the texture can thicken up but stirring in a splash of milk or water when reheating helps bring back that creamy feel.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this pasta because the shrimp can toughen and the sauce texture changes after thawing. However, if you do, freeze without the pasta water and add it fresh when reheating to help restore creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. Add a bit of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and stir frequently so it heats evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Can I make the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Cottage Cheese Sauce Recipe spicy without cayenne?

Absolutely! You can boost the spice level by increasing the amount of Cajun seasoning or adding hot sauce during cooking or at the table. Some paprika blends also include heat, or you could use crushed red pepper flakes as a substitute.
Is cottage cheese a good substitute for cream in pasta sauces?

Yes, cottage cheese is a fantastic lighter alternative to heavy cream. When blended smooth, it creates a creamy texture that adds protein with fewer calories and less fat. Just be sure to blend it well to avoid lumps.
How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery in this recipe?

Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat and remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking is the main reason shrimp get rubbery, so keeping a close eye and timing it right is key.
Can I prepare this sauce in advance?

You can blend the cottage cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before using and adjust thickness with milk or pasta water as needed when heating.
What pasta types work best for this recipe?

Protein pasta like chickpea, lentil, or black bean pasta works great here. Regular semolina pasta also works if you’re not focused on protein, but just be sure to toss it with the sauce right away so it soaks up all those flavors.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I keep coming back to this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Cottage Cheese Sauce Recipe because it’s that perfect blend of comfort food and health-smart eating. It satisfies the craving for creamy pasta without feeling weighed down or guilty. Next time you need a quick, impressive dinner that’s packed with flavor and protein, give this one a try—you’ll thank yourself for it!