Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Zoodles
- Gluten-Free
- Dairy-Free
- Paleo
- Low Carb
- Keto
- Whole30
- Pescatarian
Dreaming of creamy, spicy pasta but trying to keep it dairy free and low carb? I’ve got ya covered. This creamy cajun shrimp and zoodles recipe is just what you need. It’s super easy to make, takes less than 30 minutes total, and is so flavorful and creamy! If you like anything cajun/creole spice then you are going to love it.
This recipe is paleo, gluten free, dairy free, low carb, keto, and even Whole30 compliant! Everyone can party!!
Now, this recipe only takes about 30 minutes to make but keep in mind that you will need to soak the cashews overnight! Just place them in a jar, pour cold water over them with a little extra at the top, cover with a lid, and refrigerate overnight. The next day the cashews will be soft enough to blend into a dreamy, creamy sauce!
To make this recipe you will need to first make my Salt-Free Creole Seasoning (just scroll down to the recipe portion of the page and you’ll see it). Y’all. This stuff is legit amazing. I mean, I like Tony’s and Zatarain’s, but this stuff is on a completely different level. Plus, it doesn’t include any salt, so you can adjust the amount of salt to your own tastes and needs and also use it in a wider variety of recipes.
Okay, let’s talk spice for a minute. The level of spice in this recipe is exactly what you would expect if you went to a restaurant and ordered something like creamy cajun pasta. That’s the best I can do to describe it. I wouldn’t label it as spicy, but more of a medium spice. It’s got a kick, but it’s still edible. If you like a more mild spice then all you need to do is reduce the amount of cayenne pepper you use to make the Salt-Free Creole Seasoning.
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Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Zoodles
- Gluten-Free
- Dairy-Free
- Paleo
- Low Carb
- Keto
- Whole30
- Pescatarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup 145g raw cashews, soaked overnight
- 1/2 cup 55g sun-dried tomatoes
- 6 large zucchinis
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt divided
- 1.5 lb raw wild-caught shrimp peeled
- Extra sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to season shrimp
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 shallot quartered
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 4 Tbsp Salt-Free Creole Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast flakes
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tbsp 42g butter, ghee, or avocado oil
Instructions
- Make sure to soak cashews overnight.
- Place sun-dried tomatoes in a small bowl and cover with boiling water to soften. We will come back to those later.
- Spiralize the zucchini, add to a colander, sprinkle with 1 tsp sea salt and toss well. Allow to drain Toss the zoodles a few more times during the next few steps to help them release their water.
- Dry shrimp well with paper towels and sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper (not too much).
- Add cashews and 3/4 cup water to a high-powered blender (like a Vitamix) and blend on high until smooth (1-2 minutes). You can also try this in a food processor, but the sauce will not be as smooth. Add the shallot, garlic, lemon juice, Creole seasoning, and nutritional yeast. Blend on high until well combined. Reduce to medium and drizzle in the olive oil. Blend until emulsified.
- Heat 2 Tbsp butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once pan is hot, add shrimp one by one and cook for about 1 minute per side for medium sized shrimp. Adjust cooking time based on size of shrimp. They are done when pink on the outside and opaque throughout. Remove to a plate.
- Squeeze as much water out of zoodles as possible by pressing with hands using paper towels if needed.
- Drain tomatoes, squeeze out excess water, then roughly chop.
- Heat 1 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Cook zoodles for 3-5 minutes or until just cooked through. Drain off extra water at the end! Don't skip this step or your sauce will be too watery.
- Add sauce, shrimp, and tomatoes to the pan. Toss to combine and cook on medium-low for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Season to taste with sea salt.
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Did you enjoy the recipe? Let me know in the comments section below! xx Kit
This was SO GOOD! It took us longer than the recipe said, but maybe we will get faster as we make it more often. It was definitely worth the time and effort though!
Hi, Amanda! Aww yay! I’m so glad you loved the recipe! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review! 🙂
Is there a substitute for the cashews. I have a nut allergy. Maybe coconut milk or cream?
Hi Barney! You can try with full fat coconut milk! I would try about 1 cup and then add more if needed 🙂
This was delicious! My first cashew based sauce I’ve tried and my husband had no idea it was dairy free and raved about how delicious it was!
Aww yay! So glad you both enjoyed the recipe!! 🙂