Hey friend, if you’re craving something that’s both indulgent and packed with protein, then you absolutely need to try this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (High Protein) Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels rich and comforting but doesn’t weigh you down. The combination of tender shrimp tossed with zesty Cajun spices and a luscious cottage cheese cream sauce makes it both flavorful and surprisingly nutritious.

I first made this when I was hunting for a high-protein dish that didn’t taste like a bland “healthy meal.” Trust me, it’s perfect for weeknights when you want something quick but still impressive enough to serve guests. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra protein without sacrificing taste — something I’ve found super helpful on busy days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that naturally complement each other to create that creamy, spicy magic Cajun dishes are known for. A little tip: using protein-enriched pasta amps up the nutrition without changing the texture, making this pasta perfect for post-workout or anytime you want a meal that powers you.

Protein pasta: I love using high-protein pasta here to bump up the dish’s nutritional value — it cooks just like regular pasta, so no fuss!
Olive oil: A good quality olive oil adds subtle fruitiness and helps those Cajun spices bloom.
Cajun seasoning: This is the heart of the flavor—both in the shrimp and cream sauce—so don’t skimp.
Shrimp: Make sure your shrimp are thawed and deveined for the best texture and quick cooking.
Red bell pepper: Adds a fresh crunch and sweetness to balance the spice.
Scallions: These add a mild onion-y punch without overpowering.
Dried thyme: A subtle herb that rounds out the spices nicely.
Paprika: Adds depth with a smoky note; I like smoked paprika if you have it on hand.
Cayenne pepper (optional): If you like it hotter, a pinch amps things up without overwhelming.
Low-fat cottage cheese (2%): The secret to a creamy sauce with extra protein and less fat.
Milk (2%): You can sub skim or whole based on your preference for creaminess.
Grated parmesan cheese: Adds richness and umami, bringing the sauce all together beautifully.

Variations

I’m a huge fan of tweaking this recipe depending on what’s in season or what I’m craving. Feel free to make it your own by swapping in different veggies or adjusting the heat level — it’s super flexible!

Variation: Sometimes I swap shrimp for grilled chicken breast for a different protein punch — still delicious and creamy!
Vegetarian option: Skip the shrimp altogether and add mushrooms or tofu seasoned with Cajun spice.
Greens boost: Toss in fresh spinach or kale at the end for a pop of color and nutrients.
Mild version: Reduce or omit cayenne if you’re feeding kids or sensitive palates.
Dairy-free tweak: Use a cashew cream or coconut milk base instead of cottage cheese and milk.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (High Protein) Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Protein Pasta Perfectly

Start by cooking the protein pasta according to the package instructions. I like to reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining — trust me, you’ll want this starchy water to help loosen the sauce later without making it watery. Just cook the pasta until al dente so it holds up well when tossed with the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Shrimp with Cajun Spice

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the shrimp along with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, paprika, and optional cayenne. Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook here — shrimp cook fast and keep tender when you take them off the heat at just the right moment.

Step 3: Sauté Peppers and Scallions

In the same skillet, add sliced red bell peppers and scallions, stirring them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly but retain a bit of crunch. This keeps the dish bright and fresh while layering in more texture. You can add a pinch of salt here to draw out moisture and enhance their sweetness.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cottage Cheese Cream Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine low-fat cottage cheese, 2% milk, grated parmesan, and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Blend until smooth and creamy — this is what makes the sauce so special: creamy without heavy cream, with extra protein from the cottage cheese. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the veggies, stirring to combine.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the drained protein pasta. Toss everything gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach that perfect, silky consistency. Taste and adjust salt or Cajun seasoning if needed. The goal is a luscious, spicy cream coating every bite.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (High Protein) Recipe

A white deep plate holds a serving of creamy shrimp pasta. The bottom layer is light yellow spaghetti noodles twisted in the center. On top and around the noodles are several cooked shrimp, pink-orange in color with a slightly shiny texture. Small pieces of red tomatoes are mixed through the noodles. Bright green chopped scallions are scattered over the shrimp and pasta. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I can’t resist finishing this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra scallions — they add a pop of color and a bit of freshness that really balances the creamy richness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up, too, and it’s totally optional but makes a noticeable difference.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette or some garlic roasted asparagus. Those veggies cut through the richness perfectly and add a refreshing crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make this recipe special for guests, try serving it in individual shallow bowls garnished with microgreens or a dusting of extra paprika for a dramatic flair. I even like plating it alongside crusty garlic bread to make the meal feel cozy and indulgent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I’ve stored it, I find the sauce thickens up, so adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water when reheating helps bring it back to life without losing creaminess.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze this particular Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (High Protein) Recipe because the texture of cooked shrimp and creamy sauces can get a bit funky after thawing. If you do freeze it, try freezing the pasta and shrimp separately from the sauce, then combine and reheat gently.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm the pasta on low heat in a skillet with a little milk or pasta water added. This helps avoid overcooking the shrimp and keeps the sauce smooth. Microwave works too, but go slow and stir every 30 seconds to keep things creamy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking. This step helps the shrimp sear nicely and absorb the Cajun spices better.
Is it okay to substitute regular pasta for protein pasta?

Yes, you can use regular pasta if you prefer. The recipe will be just as delicious, though it won’t have that extra protein boost.
How spicy is the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (High Protein) Recipe?

The spice level is moderate but adjustable. You can skip the cayenne pepper if you want milder flavors, or add more if you like a real kick.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swapping the cottage cheese and milk for dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or coconut milk works well, though the flavor and texture will shift slightly.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or pasta water to keep the sauce creamy and shrimp tender.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (High Protein) Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight rotation because of how satisfying and flavorful it is without requiring hours in the kitchen. I love that it feels indulgent yet supports my protein goals, and I think you’ll really enjoy that balance too. Give it a try next time you want a dish that’s both comforting and a little bit exciting — you won’t regret it!