Description
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the bold, smoky heat of Cajun spices with the rich, velvety texture of classic Alfredo sauce. Featuring tender shrimp cooked to perfection and tossed with fettuccine or linguine in a luscious cream-based sauce, this dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners and impresses with its balance of spicy and creamy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- Fresh or frozen medium shrimp (about 1 lb)
Seasoning & Spices
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs)
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for the sauce if needed.
- Season and Sear the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry, then toss with Cajun seasoning to coat evenly. In a hot skillet, melt butter and sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, add more butter and garlic, cooking just until fragrant. Slowly whisk in heavy cream, allowing it to warm but not boil. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens into a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Combine and Toss: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce along with the shrimp. Toss everything together gently to coat the noodles in that luscious Cajun Alfredo sauce. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately while warm and creamy for the best experience.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp or properly thawed frozen shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overcook shrimp; remove from heat as soon as they turn opaque to keep them tender and juicy.
- Season gradually with Cajun seasoning to control the spice level.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s thickness and texture if needed.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for superior melt and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
Keywords: Cajun shrimp, Alfredo pasta, creamy pasta, spicy shrimp, quick dinner, seafood pasta, comforting meal