Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake

When it comes to combining bold flavors and convenience, this Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake is a winner. With its rich blend of spices and wholesome ingredients, it’s a dish that not only tastes amazing but is also perfect for meal prepping. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or just someone who loves good food, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is accessible even for beginners.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish keeps well in the refrigerator and can be easily reheated, making it perfect for preparing ahead of a busy week.
• Balanced Nutrition: Packed with protein from shrimp and cottage cheese and a variety of vegetables, this bake offers a well-rounded meal.
• Delicious Complex Flavors: The homemade Cajun seasoning adds a depth of flavor that elevates this dish.
• Serves a Crowd: This recipe makes six hearty servings, making it great for family dinners or meal prep for the week.

The Magic of Cajun Seasoning

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the Cajun seasoning. A vibrant blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt, this spice mix brings a deliciously complex flavor profile that’s both spicy and savory. The seasoning pairs perfectly with the shrimp, enhancing their natural sweetness.

Here are the Main Ingredients you will need to Make this Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake:

Let’s walk through how to make this Step-by-Step:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Cajun seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the Cajun seasoning until well combined. This makes approximately 1/2 cup of Cajun seasoning.

In a bowl, toss the shrimp with about 1-1.5 tbsp of the Cajun seasoning (see note) until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set place in casserole dish.

In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and diced zucchini. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Stir in cherry tomatoes and spinach leaves and cook until the spinach wilts. You will have to do a few handfuls of spinach at a time and add more as it wilts.

In the casserole dish combine the cooked pasta, cooked shrimp, sautéed veggies, cottage cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Mix until everything is well combined. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.

Remove the foil from the baking dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and optional lemon wedges. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious high-protein Cajun shrimp pasta bake!

Meal Prep Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire bake in the oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.  I love these baking dishes from amazon as they come with a lid and make storage easy!  Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
• Portioning: Divide the bake into six equal portions (approximately 304g per serving) to make it easy to grab and go throughout the week.

Recipe Notes & Modifications:

• I enjoy using 1.5 tbsp of cajun seasoning for this recipe, but if you want a milder spice to 1-1.25 tbsp.
• You can use frozen vegetables for this recipe, just steam and drain any excess water first.
• If you would like to try this with a different protein source, turkey sausage also is delicious! Please be mindful macros will be different.
• If you would like this pasta bake to be creamier, you can add 150ml of milk with the cottage cheese. If making this way, blend both together before adding to the bake and mixing for a creamier sauce. Macros for additional milk will need to be tracked separately.

Hungry for more High-Protein Dinner Ideas?!

Checkout my One-Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, Buffalo Chicken Lasagna, or Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells!

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. With its robust flavors, nutritional balance, and meal prep convenience, it’s a dish that fits seamlessly into a healthy, busy lifestyle. Give it a try, and it just might become your new go-to recipe for delicious, stress-free dinners!

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear from you! Rate the recipe, leave a comment, and tag me on Instagram @thebalancedbitefoodie so I can see your delicious creations!