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Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Four Cheese Bowtie

A comforting dish that combines bold Cajun-spiced shrimp with a rich, creamy four cheese sauce over tender bowtie pasta—perfect for an impressive yet easy meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 720
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 4 tbsp butter divided
  • 3 cloves garlic minced, divided
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning for seasoning shrimp
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika for seasoning shrimp
  • 1/2 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
For the Creamy Four Cheese Bowtie Pasta
  • 12 oz bowtie pasta
  • 3 tbsp butter for sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced, for sauce
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 6 oz Velveeta cheese cubed
  • 4 oz cream cheese cubed
  • 4 oz mozzarella cheese shredded, gradual addition
  • 4 oz Parmesan cheese grated, gradual addition
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Large Pot
  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Pat shrimp dry with paper towel. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Heat 4 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook about 2 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  5. Step 5: In another skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add remaining minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often.
  7. Step 7: Add Velveeta and cream cheese cubes, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
  8. Step 8: Gradually stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until sauce thickens and is creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  9. Step 9: Add cooked bowtie pasta to cheese sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
  10. Step 10: Plate the creamy four cheese bowtie pasta and arrange Cajun garlic butter shrimp on top or alongside.
  11. Step 11: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

Substitute shrimp with chicken, scallops, or smoked sausage if desired. For a dairy-free version, try dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives though sauce will be less creamy. Add cayenne for extra heat or toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for veggies. Store shrimp and pasta separately in airtight containers; shrimp keeps 2 days, pasta 3-4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to loosen sauce.