Spice up your pasta game with this bold and creamy Cajun shrimp dish! Juicy, seasoned shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a velvety Coconut Malk sauce come together in this comforting yet healthy twist on a classic. It’s dairy-free, full of flavor, and guaranteed to be a new weeknight favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Pasta & Shrimp:
• 8 oz rotini pasta (or pasta of choice, whole wheat or gluten-free if preferred)
• ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lime juice
For the Creamy Coconut Sauce:
• 1 cup Coconut Malk
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ cup yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (or grated dairy-free cheese)
• 1 tbsp arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
• 1 cup fresh spinach (or kale)
For Garnish:
• 2 tbsp green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
• Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season & Cook the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until opaque and slightly crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Make the Coconut Sauce
In the same pan, add another 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Pour in Coconut Malk and stir. Add red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and nutritional yeast. Stir in the arrowroot (or cornstarch) mixture to thicken the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes, then add the spinach and stir until wilted.
4. Combine Everything
Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the pan. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
5. Serve & Garnish
Top with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro/parsley. Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy!
