Creamy Creole Pasta with Shrimp
Servings 2 people
Ingredients
- ¾ pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 8 ounces cavatappi (or other tube-shaped pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ onion (finely diced)
- 5 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ tablespoon tomato paste
- 1¼ teaspoons creole seasoning
- 1/2 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
Shrimp Seasoning:
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- ¾ teaspoon creole seasoning
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add shrimp, minced garlic, and creole seasoning. Rub and mix gently. Add olive oil and mix again.
- Bring a large pot of water (salted) to a boil over high heat. Cook the pasta until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally. Drain pasta. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add shrimp and sear the first side for 2 minutes. Flip and cook for another minute or so, until slightly golden brown. Transfer to a small plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon butter. Add onion and cook for 6 – 7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and toss for 30 seconds. Add tomato paste and 1¼ teaspoons creole seasoning. Stir to mix for 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes. Add pasta and cook for another 3 minutes until sauce is thickened and reduced. Taste and adjust with salt or creole seasoning. Toss the shrimp back to skillet and cook for 2 more minutes. If needed, add more broth. Transfer to serving plates, sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Creole seasoning is a blend of spices, like paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper & herbs. I used Tony Chachere's. You can get that from most local grocery stores. You can also make your own, like this.
- Different brands of creole seasoning contain different amount of salt. Mine is pretty salty. I used the seasoning to substitute salt. But yours may need more salt. Just make sure to taste and adjust.
- Creole seasoning is not too spicy. But it does have a kick. If you are worried about the spicy level, start with less amount of creole seasoning and add more as you like.