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Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi

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Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi is a bold and flavorful pasta dish that combines perfectly cooked shrimp with al dente cavatappi pasta in a creamy, smoky, and spicy sauce. The blackened seasoning adds a kick of heat and depth, while the spiral-shaped cavatappi captures every drop of the luscious sauce. This dish is perfect for an elevated weeknight dinner or a show-stopping main course for entertaining guests. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Gather these ingredients for your Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi:

  • 12 oz cavatappi pasta
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Boil the Pasta: Cook the cavatappi in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Prepare the Blackened Shrimp:

  1. Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and toss them with the blackened seasoning until evenly coated.
  2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they are opaque and slightly charred. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

  1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet for added flavor.
  3. Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Dish:

  1. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked cavatappi to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
  2. Add Spinach and Tomatoes: Stir in the spinach and cherry tomatoes, cooking until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are slightly softened.
  3. Top with Shrimp: Return the shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing to combine.

Garnish and Serve:

  1. Finish the Dish: Sprinkle with paprika and fresh parsley for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

Find it online: https://succulentrecipes.com/blackened-shrimp-cavatappi/