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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta combines rich, velvety Alfredo sauce with bold, spicy Cajun seasoning and succulent shrimp, creating a comforting yet exciting dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or elegant meals that impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 1 lb medium-sized fresh or thawed shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs)

Sauce and Pasta

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta

Garnishes and Seasoning

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp: Season the shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté the shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
  3. Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs thinning. Cook together for an additional minute to let the flavors meld.
  5. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for best texture and flavor.
  • Do not overcook shrimp; cook until just pink to avoid rubbery texture.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer taste and smoother melting.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
  • Add Cajun seasoning gradually to control the spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp, Alfredo pasta, creamy pasta, spicy shrimp, fettuccine, quick dinner, seafood pasta, Cajun seasoning