| | | | |

Gigi Hadid’s Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (Inspired Recipe)

Part of our Celebrity Favorite Recipes (Inspired) Collection
Looking for more celebrity-inspired dishes? Explore the complete collection here.

The result is an original Canadian Cooking Adventures recipe that’s bold, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights. Tender Cajun-seasoned shrimp are tossed with penne pasta in a silky tomato Parmesan cream sauce infused with garlic, shallots, fresh spinach, and a hint of lemon for brightness.

If you loved Gigi Hadid’s famous pasta recipe, you’re going to love this elevated seafood version.


The Story Behind This Recipe

When Gigi Hadid shared her now-famous spicy tomato cream pasta, it quickly became one of the internet’s most talked-about recipes. Home cooks loved its simple ingredients, creamy texture, and rich tomato flavor.

As much as I enjoy the original inspiration, I wanted to create something that felt like my own.

One of my family’s favorite dinners has always been a creamy Cajun shrimp pasta, so I thought—why not combine the two?

The result is this Canadian Cooking Adventures original recipe, inspired by Gigi Hadid’s creamy pasta while adding perfectly seasoned shrimp, Cajun spices, Parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, and a touch of lemon to create an unforgettable meal.

It’s creamy, slightly spicy, loaded with flavor, and elegant enough for guests while still being easy enough for a weeknight dinner.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Inspired by Gigi Hadid’s viral pasta
  • An original Canadian Cooking Adventures recipe
  • Ready in about 35 minutes
  • Rich, creamy tomato Parmesan sauce
  • Perfectly seasoned Cajun shrimp
  • Family-friendly with adjustable spice
  • Restaurant-quality at home
  • Great for date nights or entertaining

How To Make Gigi Hadid’s Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (Inspired Recipe)

Step 1

Cook the penne in salted boiling water until al dente.

Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.


Step 2

Pat the shrimp dry and toss with the Cajun seasoning.

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet.

Cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through.

Transfer to a plate.


Step 3

Reduce the heat.

Add the butter, garlic, and shallot.

Cook until fragrant.

Stir in:

  • Tomato paste
  • Smoked paprika
  • Red pepper flakes

Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.


Step 4

Pour in the heavy cream and stir until smooth.

Add:

  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning

Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.


Step 5

Stir in the spinach until wilted.

Add the cooked pasta along with a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed.

Fold in the shrimp.

Finish with lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh basil, and extra Parmesan.

Serve immediately.


Tips for the Best Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

  • Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook very quickly.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan creates the smoothest sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles.
  • Add more Cajun seasoning if you enjoy extra spice.
  • Finish with fresh lemon juice to brighten the rich sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Freezing isn’t recommended because cream sauces can separate after thawing.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Gigi Hadid’s original pasta recipe?

No. This is an original Canadian Cooking Adventures recipe inspired by Gigi Hadid’s famous spicy tomato cream pasta. I’ve combined those flavors with my favorite creamy Cajun shrimp pasta to create a unique seafood version.


What makes this recipe different from Gigi Hadid’s viral pasta?

While Gigi Hadid’s recipe focuses on a creamy tomato sauce, this version adds Cajun-seasoned shrimp, Parmesan cheese, spinach, garlic, lemon, and extra seasoning to create a heartier, seafood-inspired meal with even more flavor.


Can I make this pasta less spicy?

Absolutely. Simply reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes and use a mild Cajun seasoning. You’ll still enjoy a rich, creamy tomato sauce without too much heat.


What pasta works best with creamy Cajun shrimp?

Penne is my favorite because it holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, but rigatoni, rotini, fettuccine, or linguine are all excellent choices.


Can I substitute chicken for shrimp?

Yes! Season diced chicken breast with Cajun seasoning and cook it the same way as the shrimp. It’s an easy variation that turns this into a delicious creamy Cajun chicken pasta.


What should I serve with Cajun shrimp pasta?

This pasta pairs wonderfully with:

  • Garlic bread
  • Caesar salad
  • Roasted asparagus
  • Steamed broccoli
  • A crisp green salad

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of creamy pasta recipes, this is one you’ll want to keep on repeat.

Inspired by Gigi Hadid’s viral pasta but transformed into an original Canadian Cooking Adventures creation, this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is rich, comforting, and full of bold flavor. The combination of tender shrimp, creamy tomato Parmesan sauce, Cajun spices, and fresh spinach makes it an unforgettable dinner that’s impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for any night of the week.

Whether you’re discovering Gigi Hadid’s pasta for the first time or looking for a fresh twist on the internet-famous recipe, this version is sure to become a new family favorite.

Gigi Hadid's Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (Inspired Recipe)

Gigi Hadid's Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (Inspired Recipe)

No Ratings

Ingredients

  • For the Cajun Shrimp
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, finely diced
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pasta
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • Zest of ½ lemon
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Fresh basil, for garnish
  • Extra Parmesan, for serving

Instructions

    Step 1
    Cook the penne in salted boiling water until al dente.
    Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
    Step 2
    Pat the shrimp dry and toss with the Cajun seasoning.
    Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet.
    Cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through.
    Transfer to a plate.
    Step 3
    Reduce the heat.
    Add the butter, garlic, and shallot.
    Cook until fragrant.
    Stir in:
    Tomato paste
    Smoked paprika
    Red pepper flakes
    Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
    Step 4
    Pour in the heavy cream and stir until smooth.
    Add:
    Parmesan cheese
    Italian seasoning
    Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
    Step 5
    Stir in the spinach until wilted.
    Add the cooked pasta along with a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed.
    Fold in the shrimp.
    Finish with lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh basil, and extra Parmesan.
    Serve immediately.

Notes

Tips for the Best Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Don't overcook the shrimp—they cook very quickly.
Freshly grated Parmesan creates the smoothest sauce.
Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles.
Add more Cajun seasoning if you enjoy extra spice.
Finish with fresh lemon juice to brighten the rich sauce.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 787Total Fat: 48gSaturated Fat: 26gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 360mgSodium: 2599mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 6gSugar: 5gProtein: 46g

These calculations are based off Nutritionix

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest