Oh my goodness, let me tell you about blackened shrimp cavatappi! This dish is a delightful explosion of flavors that brings a little kick to your dinner table. The combination of perfectly cooked cavatappi pasta with succulent, spiced shrimp is just *heavenly*! It’s one of those meals that looks fancy but comes together in no time—perfect for a busy weeknight or when you want to impress. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked on that rich, creamy sauce mingling with the bold blackening spices. It’s comfort food at its finest, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

Ingredients List

8 oz cavatappi pasta
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp blackening seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi

Making blackened shrimp cavatappi is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how quickly it all comes together! Let’s break it down into simple steps so you can enjoy this delicious meal in no time.

Cooking the Pasta

First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water’s bubbling, add in your 8 oz of cavatappi pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 7-9 minutes, until it’s al dente. You really want to avoid overcooking it, as the pasta will continue to cook a bit when you mix it with the sauce. Once it’s done, drain it well and set it aside. Don’t rinse it—let that starchy goodness cling to it!

Seasoning the Shrimp

Now, let’s get those shrimp ready! In a bowl, toss your 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp with 2 tbsp of blackening seasoning. Make sure every shrimp is coated evenly—this is where the flavor really kicks in! If you want an extra punch, feel free to adjust the amount of seasoning to your taste. Just keep in mind, it can get spicy!

Searing the Shrimp

Heat up 2 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, carefully add the seasoned shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink and opaque—this means they’re perfectly cooked! Keep an eye on them; you don’t want to overdo it or they’ll become rubbery. You’ll see them change color, and that’s your cue!

Completing the Dish

Now, let’s bring it all together! Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the tomatoes soften up a bit. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer—oh, the aroma is heavenly! Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into that creamy goodness. Finally, add the cooked cavatappi to the skillet, mixing everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re ready to serve this gorgeous dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
Bold, spicy flavors that really pack a punch!
Gluten-free, making it suitable for various diets.
Versatile with protein options—swap shrimp for chicken or tofu!
A creamy sauce that beautifully coats every piece of pasta.
Perfect for impressing guests or satisfying a cozy night in.

Tips for Success

Getting the perfect blackened shrimp cavatappi is all about a few key tips that I’ve learned along the way. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will elevate your dish!

Seasoning Adjustments: Feel free to tweak the amount of blackening seasoning based on your spice tolerance. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a little less and add more as you go. You can always sprinkle more on later!
Cooking Techniques: When searing the shrimp, make sure your skillet is hot enough. A hot pan helps create that beautiful crust on the shrimp, enhancing the flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking!
Timing is Key: Keep an eye on your pasta! Remember, it should be al dente when you drain it. It’ll soak up some of that creamy sauce, so you don’t want it mushy before it even gets there!
Presentation: For a lovely finishing touch, consider garnishing your dish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. It adds a pop of color and makes the dish look extra inviting!
Leftover Love: If you have leftovers (which I doubt, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of cream or a bit of broth to keep everything moist and delicious!

These tips will help you nail this recipe every time, making your blackened shrimp cavatappi the star of the show!

Variations

One of the best things about blackened shrimp cavatappi is how adaptable it is! I love experimenting with different ingredients to keep things fresh and exciting. Here are some fun ideas to switch up the recipe:

Protein Swaps: If you’re looking to change things up, try using chicken breast or thighs instead of shrimp. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same cooking method. For a vegetarian option, tofu works wonders too! Just press it, cube it, and toss it with the blackening seasoning.
Veggie Boost: Add some veggies to the mix! Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can be sautéed with the garlic and tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. They’ll add a lovely freshness to the dish!
Spice Levels: Want more heat? Feel free to kick up the spice by adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the blackening seasoning. Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a store-bought Cajun spice blend that’s less intense. It’s all about your taste!
Cheesy Goodness: For a cheesier twist, try mixing in some crumbled feta or goat cheese right before serving. The creaminess will elevate the dish even more, creating a delightful flavor combination.
Pasta Alternatives: While cavatappi is fantastic, don’t hesitate to switch it up with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat varieties for a different texture. Each shape holds the sauce differently, adding a unique touch!

So go ahead, get creative with your blackened shrimp cavatappi! The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to discover your own favorite variations!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made this delicious blackened shrimp cavatappi, and now you’ve got some leftovers (if you can believe it!). Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered on how to store and reheat it without losing any of that amazing flavor!

First, let your dish cool down to room temperature before storing it. Once it’s cooled, transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed well to avoid any fridge odors sneaking in!

Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of cream or a bit of broth to prevent it from drying out as you warm it up. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This way, you’ll keep that creamy texture and vibrant flavors intact!

If you’re in a hurry, you can also pop it in the microwave. Just transfer it to a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely (to prevent splatters), and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot. But remember, the stovetop method is my favorite for keeping the dish tasting fresh and delicious!

Now go enjoy those leftovers just as much as the first serving—trust me, it’s still going to be fabulous!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying blackened shrimp cavatappi, it’s always nice to know what you’re putting into your body, right? Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown for one serving—just keep in mind that actual values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes!

Calories: Approximately 450
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 200mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 25g

This dish is a great source of protein thanks to the shrimp, and it offers a satisfying amount of carbs from the pasta. Whether you’re counting calories or just curious about what you’re eating, I think you’ll find this meal to be a well-rounded option for dinner!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for a quick thaw. Just ensure they’re dry before tossing them with the blackening seasoning to get that nice coating!

What if I don’t have blackening seasoning?
No worries at all! You can easily make your own blend using spices you probably already have. A mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano will work beautifully. Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste!

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Definitely! To make it dairy-free, just swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. You can also look for a dairy-free cheese to mix in at the end. It might give a slightly different flavor, but still delicious!

How can I make this dish ahead of time?
If you want to prep in advance, you can cook the pasta and shrimp separately and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to combine everything. Just toss in the cream, cheese, and other ingredients when you’re ready to serve. The flavors will still be amazing!

What should I serve with blackened shrimp cavatappi?
This dish is a star on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread. A chilled glass of white wine pairs perfectly with the flavors, too!

Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi: 5 Bold Flavors to Savor

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious blackened shrimp cavatappi dish with bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz cavatappi pasta
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp blackening seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook cavatappi pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, toss shrimp with blackening seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Add garlic and cherry tomatoes, sauté for 2 minutes.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
Add cooked pasta, mix well, and season with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust the amount of blackening seasoning to taste.
You can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu.
Serve with fresh parsley for garnish.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 200mg

Keywords: blackened shrimp cavatappi

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