Asparagus season is here! There's no better way to celebrate spring than with this bold, creamy, and veggie-packed Cajun Shrimp & Asparagus Pasta.
This recipe is a springtime staple in the Peas & Hoppy Meal Guides app and consistently earns rave reviews from our members. Why? Because it hits that sweet spot: easy to make, full of flavor, and flexible for all kinds of eaters.
It’s ready in just 30 minutes, uses simple ingredients, and is easily customized for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, or vegan needs.
Use this recipe for a weeknight win if you have a busy family who wants nutritious, seasonal meals without the stress!
Seasonal Highlight: Why We Love Asparagus in Spring
In the northern hemisphere, asparagus grows in the spring. It’s the best time of year to enjoy this veggie! Vegetables in season have the most nutrition and best flavor – so don’t miss this chance to enjoy springtime asparagus.
Plus, asparagus is one of spring’s most nutritious vegetables. It’s high in fiber, folate, and antioxidants, supporting digestion and brain health. In recipes it adds a tender-crisp texture and vibrant color to your plate.
This dish pairs asparagus with Cajun-spiced shrimp and a creamy, comforting pasta sauce – balanced, nourishing, and full of flavor.
Quick & Easy: This 30-Minute Meal is Perfect for Busy Weekday Nights
As a mom of a teenager and toddler, can I just say – I get it.
This meal is designed for real life. Whether you’re juggling kid schedules, work deadlines, or just don’t love to cook, this Cajun Shrimp & Asparagus Pasta is totally doable:
- Prep time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook time: 15–20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes or less
Did I mention this is a one-pan dish? Clean-up is as easy as this recipe!
If you want to save even more time, here are a few things to prep ahead:
- Peel and devein 1 ½ lb raw shrimp (or buy peeled & deveined)
- Snap and cut 4 cups asparagus into 2-inch pieces (discard woody ends)
- Mix Cajun seasoning: 1½ tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp each onion powder, oregano, dried thyme, black pepper, red pepper flakes, ¼ tsp salt, and ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (or substitute 1 ½ tablespoons of your favorite pre-made Cajun seasoning)
Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp & Asparagus Pasta
Find these ingredients in your local grocery store – no specialty stores required!
- 2 cup Penne (dry; use whole wheat or legume pasta for higher fiber; sub gluten-free pasta for Celiac-friendly)
- 1 1/2 lb Raw shrimp (large, peeled, deveined)
- 4 cup Asparagus (woody ends snapped, cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
Cajun Seasoning
Pro tip: to save even more time, stir this up in advance or substitute 1 ½ tablespoons pre-made Cajun seasoning.
- 1 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Cayenne pepper
Sauce
- 1 cup Whole milk (use soy milk or other non-dairy milk for dairy-free)
- 1 1/2 tsp Corn starch
- 1/4 cup Shredded parmesan cheese (sub Nutritional yeast in about half this amount for dairy-free)
How to Make Cajun Shrimp & Asparagus Pasta
Let’s get dinner on the table!
Start by cooking 2 cups of dry penne pasta al dente according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
While pasta cooks, prep your veggies and protein: peel and devein 1½ pounds of large raw shrimp, and snap the woody ends off 4 cups of fresh asparagus. Cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces – you want them bite-sized for a more enjoyable dish.
Next, mix up the Cajun seasoning. In a small bowl, combine 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon each of onion powder, oregano, dried thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, plus ¼ teaspoon salt and a pinch (⅛ teaspoon) of cayenne pepper. This already has a kick, but add more cayenne if you like it extra spicy!
Now it’s time to add it all together. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then add the shrimp, asparagus, and the Cajun spice blend. Stir occasionally, and cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, and the asparagus is tender-crisp: just a little soft but still bright green and snappy.
While shrimp and asparagus cook, mix up the sauce: in a small bowl, whisk 1½ teaspoons of cornstarch into 1 cup of whole milk (or use a dairy-free milk like soy or pea); make sure there are no lumps. Pour the milk mixture into the skillet with the shrimp and asparagus, then add ¼ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously as it melts. Note: sub half that amount with nutritional yeast for dairy-free.
Stir everything together over low heat until the sauce thickens and the cheese melts into creamy perfection. Add your cooked pasta, toss it all together, and serve hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy!
Modify Cajun Shrimp & Asparagus Pasta for Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegetarian, or Vegan Needs
This dish is fully adaptable for dietary needs, just like every meal plan on the Peas and Hoppy Meal Guides app. Use these easy swaps so everyone at your table can enjoy:
Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free or legume-based pasta
Dairy-Free: Use a high-protein milk alternative like soy, hemp, or pea in place of whole milk. Sub nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan in about half the amount.
Vegetarian & Vegan: Sub chickpeas or tofu in place of shrimp. Add mushrooms for extra umami flavor. Combine this with the dairy-free swaps for a fully plant-based meal.
Picky Eaters: Omit red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper for a low-spice version. Cook a small amount of shrimp and asparagus without seasoning and set these aside separately for picky eaters to try. Set aside a small amount of pasta. Serve ingredients individually, with an option to try the dish as a whole.
How to Store Leftovers
If there are any left, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
This isn’t freezer-friendly – shrimp texture doesn’t hold up well when thawed.
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Happy springtime eating,
Dietitian Ann
