1-First Step: Prepare the Shrimp Begin by tossing 1 pound of raw shrimp with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a bowl. This step infuses the shrimp with spicy flavors and helps them cook evenly. Make sure the shrimp is deveined, cleaned, with tails removed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture, which could make the dish watery.

2-Second Step: Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Once boiling, cook 8 ounces of penne pasta until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining; this will help adjust the sauce’s consistency later and keep everything cohesive.

3-Third Step: Sear the Shrimp In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook until they turn golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside, then reduce the heat to medium to prepare for the sauce.

4-Fourth Step: Make the Sauce Pour 1 cup of heavy cream into the same skillet, scraping up the browned Cajun bits from the bottom for extra flavor. Bring the cream to a gentle bubble around the edges over medium heat, then reduce to low. Stir in 1/2 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly, creating a creamy, cheesy base that coats everything perfectly.

5-Fifth Step: Combine and Finish Add the cooked pasta and reserved shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to ensure even coating, and if the sauce seems too thick, thin it with the reserved pasta water a little at a time. Taste and adjust salt as needed, then let it simmer for another minute to blend the flavors. For serving, dish it out hot to enjoy the creamy texture at its best, and consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you have them on hand.