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Why This Cajun Prawn Pasta is a Must-Try

  • Quick & Easy – Perfect for busy weeknights, ready in just 30 minutes.
  • Budget-Friendly – A fancy-tasting meal for around $20? Yes, please!
  • Bold & Flavourful – Smoky, spicy, and ultra-creamy with every bite.
  • Customisable – Adjust the spice level, swap out ingredients, or add extra veggies.
  • Perfect for Entertaining – Looks and tastes impressive but is super simple to make.
The magic of this Cajun Prawn Pasta comes from the Cajun spice blend. I use a mix of smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of chilli powder to bring that deep, smoky heat that makes Cajun cuisine so irresistible. Want more spice? Add extra chilli powder or a pinch of cayenne. 🌶️
Now, let’s talk about prawns—the star of the show! Prawns cook super fast, so make sure not to overcook them. A hot pan will give them a beautiful sear and lock in all that flavour.
And for the ultimate creamy sauce, full-fat cream is the way to go. It creates that luxurious, silky texture that makes this Cajun Prawn Pasta so indulgent. You can use light cooking cream if you prefer, but keep in mind the sauce might not be as thick.
I love using rigatoni because the sauce gets trapped inside the tubes, making every bite flavour-packed. But if you don’t have rigatoni, here are some other great options:
  • Penne – Another excellent choice with ridges to hold onto the sauce.
  • Fettuccine – Classic for creamy pasta dishes.
  • Spaghetti – Works well, though the sauce won’t cling as much.
  • Bowtie (Farfalle) – Adds a fun texture to the dish!
Whatever pasta you use, make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture!
This dish is rich and creamy, so pairing it with something fresh and light balances the flavours beautifully. Here are my favourite pairings:
  • Crisp Green Salad – A lemony rocket or mixed greens salad adds freshness.
  • Garlic Bread – Because creamy pasta and crispy garlic bread are a match made in heaven.
  • Wine Pairing – A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio goes perfectly with the prawns and spicy sauce.
If you have leftovers (which is rare because this dish is that good), here’s how to store them:
  • Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The pasta will absorb the sauce, so add a splash of cream when reheating.
  • Freezer – Not ideal for freezing, as the cream-based sauce can separate. If you must freeze it, store in a sealed container for up to 1 month, and reheat gently with extra cream or broth.
  • Reheating – Heat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a little extra cream or milk to loosen up the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long, as the prawns can get rubbery.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you loved this Cajun Prawn Pasta, here are some more flavour-packed dinners you’ll want to try:

Final Thoughts – Time to Dig In!

This Cajun Prawn Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and packed with bold flavours, making it a must-try for your next dinner.
So, grab your ingredients, whip up this easy meal, and don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me @steph_cooks_stuff I’d love to see how it turns out. 😍

Happy cooking! 🍽️✨
Cajun Prawn Pasta cooked 2
Steph de Sousa

Cajun Prawn Pasta

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this Cajun Prawn Pasta is a quick, flavor-packed dinner that’s creamy, spicy, and irresistibly good. Perfect for weeknights when you want something easy but a little fancy. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s loaded with tender prawns, smoky spices, and a rich, creamy sauce.
Print Recipe
prep time Prep Time 10 minutes
setting time Setting Time
 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Recipes
Cuisine: Australian
Calories: 852
dish icon Ingredients Equipmentcook book Methodhealt Nutritionvideo icon Video Notes

Ingredients
 

  • 500 g Rigatoni
  • 500 g Green Prawns peeled and deveined
  • 300 g Baby Spinach
  • 250 g Roasted Capsicum sliced
  • 3 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 300 ml Cream
  • 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tbsp Thyme
  • 1 tbsp Oregano
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Chilli Powder optional for extra heat

Equipment

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the rigatoni according to the packet instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Base: In a hot pan with a splash of oil, stir the tomato paste for 1 minute.
  3. Add Spices & Veggies: Mix in smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and roasted capsicum. Stir for another minute.
  4. Make It Creamy: Pour in the cream and stir until combined with the tomato base.
  5. Cook the Prawns: Add the prawns to the pan and cook until they turn orange and are cooked through — just a few minutes!
  6. Bring It All Together: Toss in the cooked rigatoni and spinach, stirring until everything is coated in the creamy, Cajun-spiced sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 852kcalCarbohydrates: 105gProtein: 39gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 243mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 1122mgFiber: 8gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 9664IUVitamin C: 27mgCalcium: 257mgIron: 6mg

Video

Notes

If you like it extra spicy, don’t skip the chilli powder! ????️

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pasta less spicy?
Yes! Just reduce or omit the chilli powder, and it’ll still be full of flavour without too much heat.
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess water in the sauce.
Of course! Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini would be delicious additions to this pasta.
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