Cajun Shrimp and Bacon in Cream Cheese Sauce

DESCRIPTION

This Cajun Shrimp and Bacon in Cream Cheese Sauce is a rich, creamy pasta dish packed with bold Cajun flavor. Tender shrimp, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta are tossed in a velvety cream cheese sauce seasoned with Spicelopedia® Rajun Cajun Seasoning for just the right amount of smoky heat. Quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for entertaining, this comforting shrimp pasta recipe delivers a delicious balance of creamy, savory, and spicy flavors in every bite.

INGREDIENTS

Servings: 4

Penne pasta, cooked according to package directions	½ lb.
16/20 count shrimp, peeled and deveined	1 lb.
Bacon, cooked	4 slices
Spicelopedia® Rajun Cajun seasoning	1 Tbsp.
Butter	4 Tbsp.
Garlic cloves, minced	3
Sweet onion, chopped	½
Milk	1⅓ cups
Cream cheese, softened	⅔ cup
Chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)	⅔ cup
Olive oil	2 Tbsp.

STEPS

1. Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Toss the shrimp with half of the Spicelopedia® Rajun Cajun seasoning, then add them to the hot pan. Cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque and fully cooked. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and cover to keep warm.
2. Add the butter and chopped onion to the same pan and cook until the onion is translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Once the mixture begins to simmer, whisk in the softened cream cheese until the sauce is smooth. Stir in the remaining Spicelopedia® Rajun Cajun seasoning and adjust the seasoning to taste if needed.
4. Add the cooked bacon and penne pasta to the sauce, stirring until evenly coated. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and heat through.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Cajun seasoning or fresh parsley if desired.