Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Delight

$- 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade) - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh chopped parsley for garnish When I make Cajun Shrimp Alfredo, I focus on quality. Using fresh shrimp makes a big difference. Look for shrimp that smell clean and briny. If you want a twist, you can use different pasta types. Try penne or spaghetti if you prefer. Cajun seasoning brings the flavor to life. You can buy it or make your own with spices like paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder. Olive oil adds richness and helps with cooking. Always choose extra virgin for the best taste. You might wonder about alternatives. If you can't find heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option. For cheese, grated Pecorino Romano can work well in place of Parmesan. Fresh herbs, like parsley, add a nice touch. They not only look great but also enhance the dish's flavor. Don't skip this step! {{ingredient_image_2}} To cook fettuccine, start with a big pot. Fill it with water and add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which means firm to the bite. When the pasta is done, drain it using a colander. Remember to save about 1 cup of the pasta water before you drain it. This water is starchy and helps thicken your sauce later! For the shrimp, place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over them. Toss the shrimp well so every piece is covered. This step gives the shrimp a bold flavor. Now, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers like a calm lake. Carefully add the shrimp to the hot skillet. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes per side. They should turn pink and curl up when cooked. Once done, set the shrimp on a plate to rest. Next, it's time for the Alfredo sauce. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Stir it often until it smells great and turns lightly golden. Now, slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken for about 3-4 minutes. Then, whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water. Taste it and add salt and pepper as needed. Finally, fold the cooked fettuccine and sautéed shrimp into the creamy sauce. Mix gently so everything is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, you can add more pasta water to reach the right consistency. The goal is creamy but not runny. Serve it hot, and enjoy your Cajun Shrimp Alfredo! To adjust the spice level, add more or less Cajun seasoning. Start small if you’re unsure. Mix in a little cayenne pepper for extra heat. You can also add smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can brighten your dish. To keep shrimp tender, don’t overcook them. Cook just until they turn pink. If they sit too long, they get tough. Use medium-high heat to get a nice sear. Avoid crowding the pan; cook in batches if needed. Serve in deep bowls for a nice look. Garnish with parsley for color. A sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning adds flair. Serve with garlic bread or a simple salad. These sides balance the rich pasta and make a full meal. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp Matters: Always opt for fresh shrimp to ensure the best flavor and texture in your dish. Frozen shrimp can work, but be sure to thaw them properly and pat them dry before cooking. Homemade Cajun Seasoning: For an extra kick of flavor, consider making your own Cajun seasoning with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs. This allows you to customize the spice level to your liking. Perfect Pasta: To prevent your fettuccine from becoming mushy, ensure you cook it just until al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot Alfredo sauce. Garnish Wisely: Don’t skip the fresh parsley! It not only adds a burst of color but also a fresh flavor that brightens the richness of the Alfredo sauce. {{image_4}} Cajun Shrimp Alfredo is tasty, but you can change the protein. - Cajun Chicken Alfredo: Use chicken breast instead of shrimp. Season it with Cajun spices, then sauté it until golden brown. Slice the chicken and mix it into the creamy sauce. - Cajun Sausage Alfredo: Try andouille sausage for a smoky twist. Slice the sausage and cook it in the pan until browned. The spicy flavor pairs well with the creamy sauce. You can enjoy Cajun flavors without meat. Here are two ideas. - Mushroom Alfredo: Use a mix of mushrooms for a hearty dish. Sauté the mushrooms in olive oil until they are soft. Add them to the creamy sauce for a rich flavor. - Zucchini Noodles with Cajun Sauce: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles. Spiralize the zucchini and cook it lightly. Toss it with the Cajun cream sauce for a fresh meal. Adding veggies makes the dish even better. Here are my favorites. - Recommended veggies to include: Bell peppers, spinach, and broccoli add color and nutrients. They also enhance the dish's taste. - Cooking tips for adding veggies: Sauté the veggies in the same pan after cooking the protein. This way, they absorb the Cajun flavor. Add them right before mixing in the pasta for a crisp bite. To keep your Cajun Shrimp Alfredo fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Make sure to label the container with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you have a few options. You can reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the microwave, heat in short intervals. Stir between each interval to heat evenly. If you choose the stovetop, add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water. This helps keep the sauce creamy and smooth. Leftovers can stay in the fridge for up to three days. If you freeze the dish, it can last up to three months. Always check your food before eating. If it smells off or has a strange color, it’s better to throw it away. Trust your senses to keep your meals safe. To make your own Cajun seasoning, gather these ingredients: - 1 tablespoon paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper Mix all the spices in a bowl. Store in an airtight jar. This blend gives your Cajun Shrimp Alfredo a bold kick and is great for other dishes too! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Cook the fettuccine until al dente. This prevents it from getting mushy. - Store the shrimp and sauce separately from the pasta. - Keep everything in airtight containers in the fridge. - Reheat the sauce gently to avoid separation. This way, you can enjoy your meal quickly when you're ready to eat! Cajun Shrimp Alfredo can be spicy, but you can adjust the heat level. - Use less Cajun seasoning for a milder flavor. - Add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat. - Serve with a side of sour cream to cool it down. Everyone can enjoy this dish, no matter their spice tolerance! Pair Cajun Shrimp Alfredo with these tasty sides: - A light green salad with vinaigrette - Garlic bread for dipping - Roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus These options complement the creamy pasta well and make for a balanced meal! Cajun Shrimp Alfredo is a simple yet tasty dish. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You can adjust flavors and try different proteins. Whether you prefer shrimp, chicken, or veggies, there's an option for everyone. Remember to store your leftovers properly to keep them fresh. With these insights, you can impress your family and friends with this creamy delight. Enjoy making it your own!$

A creamy and spicy pasta dish featuring shrimp and fettuccine in a rich Alfredo sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine pasta
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
for garnish fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta but reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. Set aside the drained pasta.
In a medium bowl, place the peeled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the shrimp and toss thoroughly to ensure each shrimp is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned shrimp. Sauté for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely before adding the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
Slowly pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring constantly. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, which should take around 3-4 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce appears too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Gently fold the cooked fettuccine and sautéed shrimp into the creamy Alfredo sauce, ensuring that everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the Cajun Shrimp Alfredo to serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls, topped with a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning and a few fresh parsley leaves for an eye-catching touch.

Keyword alfredo, Cajun, dinner, pasta, shrimp