1-First Step: Prepare all ingredients Set out everything before you begin cooking. Peel and devein the shrimp if needed, remove the tails, pat them dry, and measure the Cajun seasoning, cream, butter, Parmesan, and pasta. This small step makes the cooking process smooth and fast, which is especially helpful for busy nights.

2-Second Step: Season the shrimp Place the shrimp in a bowl and toss them with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Make sure each shrimp is coated well. If your seasoning blend is salty, start with a little less and add more later if needed. Letting the shrimp sit briefly while the pasta water heats gives the flavors time to settle in.

3-Third Step: Cook the penne pasta Bring a large pot of water to a boil with 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Add 8 ounces penne pasta and cook until al dente, following the package time as a guide. Before draining, reserve at least 1/2 cup of pasta water. That starchy water helps loosen the sauce later and helps it cling to the noodles.

4-Fourth Step: Sear the shrimp While the pasta cooks, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook until golden brown on one side, then turn once and cook the other side. Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to cook in batches so the shrimp sear instead of steam. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and reduce the heat to medium.

5-Fifth Step: Build the cream sauce Add 1 cup heavy cream to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those bits add a lot of flavor to the sauce. Heat the cream until it starts bubbling at the edges, then reduce the heat to low. Stir gently so the sauce stays smooth and does not scorch.

6-Sixth Step: Add the Parmesan Stir in 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce thickens. Freshly grated Parmesan works best because it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese. If the sauce seems too thick, add a spoonful or two of reserved pasta water.

7-Seventh Step: Combine everything Return the shrimp and pasta to the skillet. Toss well so the penne is coated with the creamy Cajun sauce and the shrimp are evenly distributed. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce needs thinning. Taste and adjust salt if needed, especially if your Cajun seasoning was low in sodium.

8-Final Step: Serve warm Spoon the Cajun shrimp pasta into bowls and serve right away while the sauce is creamy and the shrimp are tender. A little extra Parmesan on top is always welcome. If you want a full meal, serve it with a simple salad or crusty bread.