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Flavorful Cajun Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Creamy Creole Dressing

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A quick and easy Cajun shrimp pasta salad with a creamy Creole dressing that balances smoky spices and tangy flavors, perfect for summer and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Creole mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss shrimp in 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer; cook for 2 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a smaller bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon Creole mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and juice of half a lemon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Add the cooked shrimp, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup green onions, and 1/4 cup parsley to the pasta. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.

Notes

Dry shrimp thoroughly before seasoning to ensure a good sear. Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp; cook in batches if necessary. For a thinner dressing, add a teaspoon or two of water or lemon juice. The salad tastes better after chilling for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Add a splash of olive oil to pasta if it seems dry after cooling. Adjust spice level by varying Cajun seasoning and hot sauce amounts.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta salad, creamy Creole dressing, summer pasta salad, easy shrimp recipe, potluck salad, spicy shrimp pasta

Find it online: https://grubella.com/flavorful-cajun-shrimp-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-creamy-creole-dressing/