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Quick Shrimp Fajita Pasta Recipe Easy 25 Minute Dinner Idea

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A fast, flavorful shrimp fajita pasta dish ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. Combines tender shrimp, sautéed bell peppers, and creamy pasta with smoky fajita seasoning.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) peeled and deveined medium-sized shrimp
  • 8 ounces (225g) penne or fusilli pasta
  • 2 medium bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), thinly sliced
  • 1 small yellow or white onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper)
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Small handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: grated Parmesan or Cotija cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup (120ml) pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and bell peppers; sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp, spreading evenly in the pan. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, avoiding overcrowding.
  4. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning over shrimp and veggies. Stir well to coat. If dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Add cooked pasta and ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream to skillet. Toss gently until pasta is coated and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add more cream or pasta water if desired.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in juice of 1 lime. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped cilantro and optional grated cheese.

Notes

Use frozen shrimp thawed completely before cooking. Add pasta salt generously for flavor. Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and skip cheese. Lime juice brightens and balances the dish. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Can add jalapeño or cayenne for extra heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp fajita pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal, creamy shrimp pasta, fajita seasoning, 25 minute dinner

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