This creamy Boursin shrimp pasta with a Cajun twist is a delightful combination of succulent shrimp, rich Boursin cheese, and hearty penne pasta. It’s the kind of dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors into your home with minimal effort, making it an excellent choice for both casual family dinners and special occasions. The Cajun-spiced shrimp, combined with a creamy Boursin cheese sauce, results in a luscious dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. It has become a viral hit on TikTok for good reason – it’s easy, quick, and absolutely delicious!

Full Recipe:

• Large Argentinian shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• Fresh lemon juice

• Olive oil

• Cajun seasoning

• Garlic powder

• Smoked paprika

• Dried oregano

• Penne pasta

• Unsalted butter

• Yellow onion (diced)

• Heavy cream

• All-purpose flour (for slurry)

• Boursin cheese (garlic and fine herb version)

• Fresh parsley (chopped)

• Salt and pepper

• Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)

Directions

• Marinate the shrimp:

  • Mix shrimp with lemon juice, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano.

  • Let marinate for about 10 minutes.

• Cook the shrimp:

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

  • Remove shrimp and set aside.

• Make the sauce:

  • Reduce heat to low and melt butter in the same skillet.

  • Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.

  • Remove skillet briefly from heat, pour in heavy cream, and stir in a flour-water slurry to thicken.

  • Return to low heat and add Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano.

  • Stir to fully combine.

• Finish the sauce:

  • Add cooked shrimp, chopped parsley, and crumbled Boursin cheese.

  • Stir and let cheese melt into the sauce.

  • Simmer for about 5 minutes to blend flavors.

• Cook the pasta:

  • Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente.

  • Reserve some pasta water, then drain the pasta.

• Combine and serve:

  • Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and shrimp.

  • Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.

  • Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

  • Taste and adjust seasoning.

  • Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, and cracked black pepper.

Nutrients

• Calories: 720.5 per serving

• Fat Content: 42.8g

• Carbohydrates: 62.5g

• Protein: 32.4g

The Magic of Boursin Cheese

One of the key elements that sets this recipe apart is the use of Boursin cheese. Known for its creamy texture and herby flavor, Boursin cheese adds a velvety richness to the sauce, making it the perfect complement to the shrimp and pasta. The cheese’s garlic and herb notes enhance the dish without overpowering it, giving each bite a balanced and savory flavor. The creamy texture of the cheese helps bind everything together, creating a luscious sauce that coats the pasta and shrimp beautifully.

What’s great about Boursin cheese is its versatility. While it’s the star ingredient in this recipe, you can also use it in other dishes like spreads, dips, or even as a topping for roasted vegetables. Its distinct flavor can elevate a wide variety of meals, making it a worthwhile addition to your kitchen pantry.

Why Boursin Shrimp Pasta Is a Crowd-Pleaser

Boursin Shrimp Pasta quickly became a favorite among foodies and home cooks for several reasons. Firstly, it brings a unique flavor combination that’s both indulgent and satisfying. The shrimp are marinated in a blend of spices, giving them a slightly spicy kick that perfectly balances the creamy richness of the Boursin cheese sauce. The Cajun seasoning adds an extra layer of flavor, infusing the shrimp with smoky, earthy tones.

The creamy sauce is what truly makes this dish stand out. Thanks to the Boursin cheese, the sauce is rich and silky, yet not too heavy. The pasta absorbs the sauce beautifully, and when you toss in the shrimp, it creates a harmonious dish that combines flavors, textures, and a bit of spice. This balance is what makes it such a crowd-pleaser – it has the comfort of a creamy pasta dish but with the added complexity of Cajun seasoning and shrimp, making it feel like a special treat.

Versatility and Customization

While the dish as it stands is already perfect, one of the great things about Boursin Shrimp Pasta is its versatility. You can easily tweak it to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. If you prefer a bit more heat, you can adjust the Cajun seasoning or even add fresh chili flakes. For those who are sensitive to spice, you can reduce the seasoning or opt for a mild Cajun blend.

The choice of pasta can also be customized. Penne works wonderfully in this dish, but other pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle can be just as delicious. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold the sauce well, so it doesn’t overpower the shrimp or cheese. Additionally, you can swap out shrimp for other proteins like chicken or even a plant-based substitute for a vegetarian option. Chicken thighs or breast would work perfectly if you’re not a fan of shrimp, and a simple plant-based protein can stand in for meat lovers who prefer a vegan version.

Making the Perfect Shrimp for This Dish

The shrimp in this recipe are marinated with lemon juice, olive oil, and a blend of spices to ensure they’re full of flavor. Marinating shrimp before cooking is a great way to infuse them with the seasonings and create a deep, satisfying flavor. It’s also important not to overcook the shrimp – they cook quickly, so keeping a close eye on them while they’re in the pan is key. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery and lose their delicate texture, which would throw off the balance of the dish.

If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to properly thaw them before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan, which can affect the texture and flavor of the final dish. Fresh shrimp are ideal, but frozen shrimp work just as well when handled properly.

The Perfect Creamy Sauce

A lot of pasta dishes rely on a simple tomato sauce or olive oil for flavor, but Boursin Shrimp Pasta takes a different approach by using a creamy, flavorful sauce made from Boursin cheese. The richness of the cream and the flour slurry in the sauce help create a luscious texture that coats every piece of pasta and shrimp. The beauty of this sauce is that it’s indulgent but not overwhelming, offering the perfect balance of creamy and flavorful without feeling too heavy.

For those looking to make the sauce a bit lighter, you can adjust the amount of cream or substitute with a lighter alternative, such as half-and-half. However, using full-fat cream provides the best results for that indulgent, velvety texture that makes this dish so comforting. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply simmer it a little longer until it reaches the desired consistency.

How to Serve Boursin Shrimp Pasta

Boursin Shrimp Pasta is a complete dish on its own, with rich flavors and plenty of protein from the shrimp. However, it can be paired with a variety of sides to make the meal even more satisfying. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect accompaniment to cut through the richness of the pasta and balance the flavors. A side of garlic bread or crusty baguette also works well to soak up any extra sauce left on your plate.

For an extra burst of freshness, consider topping your pasta with freshly chopped parsley or even a sprinkle of lemon zest. This adds a pop of color and a subtle citrus flavor that complements the shrimp and creamy sauce beautifully. A few sliced jalapeños or chili flakes can also add a kick of heat for those who like their food with a bit more spice.

Making It Ahead of Time

Boursin Shrimp Pasta is quick to make, but it’s also a great recipe for meal prep. You can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook the pasta. When it’s time to serve, simply reheat the shrimp and sauce, cook the pasta, and combine everything together for a meal that feels like it was made fresh, without all the effort.

Conclusion

Boursin Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful, indulgent, and versatile dish that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. The combination of creamy Boursin cheese, Cajun-spiced shrimp, and tender pasta creates a satisfying meal that feels both special and comforting. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a date night, or a weekend get-together, this dish is perfect for any occasion. The ability to adjust the heat, swap out proteins, and serve it with different sides makes it a meal that can be customized to suit any taste. If you’re looking for a simple yet sophisticated meal that’s packed with flavor, this Boursin Shrimp Pasta is definitely worth a try.