Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Cottage Cheese Sauce Recipe
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a delicious high-protein meal featuring tender shrimp and protein-packed pasta tossed in a creamy, flavorful cottage cheese sauce with a kick of Cajun spices. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner that balances indulgence with nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Cottage Cheese Cream Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Cook the protein pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and set aside. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the shrimp and vegetables: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, sliced red bell pepper, scallions, dried thyme, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper. Sauté until the shrimp turns pink and vegetables are tender, about 4-6 minutes.
- Make the cottage cheese cream sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine low fat cottage cheese, 2% milk, grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and vegetables. Pour in the blended cottage cheese cream sauce and stir to combine.
- Adjust consistency and seasoning: Add reserved pasta water gradually to thin the sauce to desired consistency. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Remove from heat and plate the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta immediately. Garnish with extra scallions or Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute any type of pasta if you prefer, but protein pasta adds an extra nutritional boost.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste to control the spice level.
- For a richer sauce, use whole milk instead of 2% or skim milk.
- Use fresh Cajun seasoning or homemade blend for best flavor.
- This dish is high in protein and makes for a balanced post-workout meal.
Keywords: Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, High Protein Pasta Recipe, Cajun Shrimp, Healthy Pasta Dinner, Low Fat Cajun Pasta