Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe

If there’s a recipe designed to wow your tastebuds and bring serious restaurant vibes to your dinner table, it’s Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi. Lush, creamy, and loaded with bold, smoky flavors, this dish marries beautifully seasoned shrimp with twisty cavatappi noodles in a rich sauce dotted with sweet corn. Each bite delivers pops of spice, a velvety mouthfeel, and plenty of color—guaranteed to impress your family or anyone you’re sharing your kitchen with. Whether you’re looking to jazz up your weeknight or planning to make something unforgettable for a special occasion, this pasta fits the bill.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you’ll need for Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi comes straight from the heart of comfort food, using approachable ingredients that give every forkful standout flavors and irresistible textures. Don’t skip a single element—each one has a role in balancing heat, creaminess, or that little pop of color.

• Cavatappi Pasta: Fun, corkscrew-shaped noodles that hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly, giving you a satisfying bite every time.
• Large Shrimp: Fresh, plump shrimp soak in the spicy blackened seasoning for sweet and smoky flavor in every bite.
• Blackened Seasoning: The hero of the dish—this spice blend brings deep color and a bold, savory kick to the shrimp.
• Unsalted Butter: Used to sear the shrimp, giving it richness while providing a base for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: The secret to that luscious, restaurant-worthy cream sauce that clings to each noodle.
• Tomato Paste: A tiny but mighty addition that gives the sauce depth, color, and just the right touch of acidity.
• Sour Cream: Balances out the heat with a slight tang and extra creaminess without overpowering the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: For that unmistakable nutty, salty finish that marries all the elements together.
• Sweet Corn: Adds a pop of sweetness and color that contrasts beautifully with the spiced shrimp and creamy sauce.
• Green Onion: The perfect fresh garnish that gives a bright, snappy finish to the final dish.

How to Make Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi

Step 1: Cook Your Cavatappi

Start things off by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in those cavatappi noodles and let them cook until they’re just al dente, usually around 8 to 9 minutes. The sturdy spirals will give you the best texture, holding up to the creamy sauce later—all while catching little bits of shrimp and corn in every curve.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

While the pasta is bubbling away, pat your shrimp dry and toss them evenly with your favorite blackened seasoning. This step is where the magic begins: the robust spices wake up the shrimp and lay the foundation for that signature Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi flavor.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt your butter until it just starts to foam. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer, resisting the urge to crowd the pan. Sear for about 4 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and just opaque. Scoop them onto a plate to rest while you build the sauce in the same pan—keeping all those delicious brown bits as flavor gold.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and pour the heavy cream right into that shrimp-infused skillet. Scrape up any brown bits leftover—this is where the real flavor lives! Bring the cream to a gentle simmer before stirring in the tomato paste, sour cream, and parmesan cheese. Stir patiently until the cheese has melted and the sauce is silky smooth.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add your drained cavatappi, cooked shrimp, and sweet corn into the skillet. Toss everything together, so those spiral noodles get beautifully coated and each shrimp is snuggled into the creamy sauce. Let it warm through for a minute or two, but don’t overcook—you want the shrimp juicy and the pasta still snappy.

How to Serve Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi

Garnishes

For maximum freshness and a burst of color, scatter chopped green onion over the top right before serving. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a little chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra parmesan will make your Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi look irresistible on the plate.

Side Dishes

This pasta plays so well with simple sides! A bright, crisp green salad will contrast the richness perfectly, or serve dinner rolls on the side to soak up any last drops of sauce. For a summery touch, try grilled asparagus or roasted cherry tomatoes alongside your Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to really put on a show, serve Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi in individual bowls with a swirl of sauce over the top and a big shrimp perched front and center. For family-style meals, it also looks gorgeous in a big, wide pasta bowl—just pile it high and let everyone dig in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they’ll stay delicious for up to three days in the fridge. Store your Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi in an airtight container to keep the pasta and shrimp fresh and that sauce creamy.

Freezing

While shrimp and creamy sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi in a pinch. Just be aware the sauce might separate a bit when thawed. Freeze in individual portions for quick lunches, and let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed. The microwave also works—just use short bursts and stir between each to heat it evenly without making the shrimp tough.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! While cavatappi holds the sauce beautifully, you can swap in penne, fusilli, or even rigatoni if that’s what you have on hand—the recipe will still shine.

What if I don’t have blackened seasoning?

If you’re out, you can make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. It’s quick and customizable for your preferred level of spice.

Is this dish very spicy?

Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi has a mild to moderate kick, thanks to the blackened seasoning. You can mellow it out by using less seasoning or bump it up with extra cayenne if you love heat.

Can I make this dish with frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking, so you get that perfect golden sear and avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Try substituting coconut cream for the heavy cream, a dairy-free sour cream, and your favorite vegan parmesan. The dish will still feel decadent but will be suitable for a dairy-free table.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to dig into Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi as I am to share it! There’s truly something magical about the combination of bold, spicy shrimp with creamy, swirly pasta and sweet pops of corn. Whether you’re out to impress or just want a cozy, flavor-packed meal, this dish is guaranteed to make dinner special. Give it a try and see why it’s bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen!

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