Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

$- 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for garnish In this dish, the fettuccine pasta forms a rich base. I love using large shrimp because they add a nice bite. The Cajun seasoning gives the shrimp a bold flavor. This spice mix often includes paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder. The olive oil helps sear the shrimp and adds a nice depth. Garlic brings warmth to the dish. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and rich. Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch. Fresh parsley not only brightens the dish, but it also adds color. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Lemon wedges offer a zesty finish when squeezed over the pasta. When you gather these ingredients, you're ready to create a meal that impresses. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this Cajun shrimp Alfredo pasta a delight. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once it boils, toss in 8 oz of fettuccine pasta. Cook the pasta for about 8 to 10 minutes until it's al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta, but save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside for later. Next, grab a mixing bowl and add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over the shrimp. Toss the shrimp well until they're all coated in the spice mix. This step adds that bold flavor we love. Now, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn a vibrant pink and become opaque. Once cooked, take the shrimp out and set them on a plate. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the last tablespoon of olive oil. Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Stir it often to avoid burning. When the garlic is fragrant, slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Keep stirring as you let it gently simmer. Once it simmers, start mixing in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to reach your desired creaminess. Now it's time to combine the shrimp and pasta with the sauce. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Gently fold in the cooked fettuccine, making sure everything is well mixed and coated in the sauce. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Just before serving, toss in some chopped parsley for freshness. Plate the Cajun shrimp Alfredo pasta right away. For a zesty kick, garnish each plate with lemon wedges. Squeeze the lemon over the dish just before you dig in. Enjoy the vibrant flavors! To cook shrimp that are tender and juicy, start with fresh shrimp. Fresh shrimp taste better than frozen. If you use frozen shrimp, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Make sure to season the shrimp well with Cajun seasoning before cooking. This adds great flavor. Cook them quickly on medium-high heat. Aim for about 2-3 minutes on each side. When they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Overcooking shrimp makes them tough. Remove them from the heat as soon as they are cooked. The sauce should be creamy but not too thick. To adjust the thickness, add reserved pasta water gradually. This water contains starch from the pasta, which helps the sauce cling better. If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a minute to thicken. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Make sure to mix in the Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly. This will give the sauce a rich texture. Want to boost the flavor? Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. You can also mix in some fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a fresh taste. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish and adds a nice zing. If you like a smoky flavor, consider adding smoked paprika. Each of these tweaks can make your dish even more delicious. Experiment with these options to find your favorite combination! Pro Tips Boost the Flavor: Consider marinating the shrimp in Cajun seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavor. Perfect Pasta: To ensure your fettuccine is perfectly cooked, aim for al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Cheese Choices: For a richer flavor, try using a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese in your sauce. Fresh Herbs: Always use fresh parsley for garnish, as it adds a vibrant color and fresh taste to the dish. {{image_4}} You can change the shrimp and pasta in this dish. If you want a different protein, try chicken or even tofu. Both can soak up the Cajun flavor well. For pasta, you can use penne, spaghetti, or even zoodles if you want a veggie twist. Just remember to cook any pasta according to package instructions for the best texture. Need gluten-free options? You can use gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn. They cook similarly and taste good too. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for coconut cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. These changes keep it tasty while meeting your needs. Adding veggies can make your Cajun shrimp Alfredo pasta even better. You can toss in some bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. They add color and nutrients. Simply sauté them with the garlic before adding the cream. You can also add cherry tomatoes or peas for a fresh taste. This way, you get a balanced meal full of flavor and health. To store leftovers, place the Cajun shrimp Alfredo pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for about three days. Make sure the pasta cools down before sealing it. If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing it. When reheating, I recommend using the stove. Heat a skillet on low and add a splash of water or cream. This helps bring back the creamy texture. Stir gently as you heat the dish, so it warms evenly. Avoid using a microwave if you can; it can make the pasta dry. If you want to freeze the dish, do it right after cooking. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space at the top. This allows for expansion. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of liquid if needed. Making Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta takes about 30 minutes. You will spend 10 minutes prepping. Cooking the dish takes 20 minutes. This quick meal is perfect for busy nights and impresses your family. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just remember to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein them if needed. This makes prep simple and fast. This dish pairs well with simple sides. Consider a green salad for freshness. Garlic bread adds a nice touch. Steamed vegetables are also a good choice. These sides balance the meal and enhance your dinner. Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta has a mild to medium spice level. The Cajun seasoning adds flavor without being too hot. If you prefer it spicier, add more seasoning. You can also include hot sauce for an extra kick. Adjust the spice to suit your taste buds! Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta combines rich flavors and simple steps. You learned about key ingredients like fettuccine, shrimp, and Cajun seasoning. I shared easy cooking instructions and helpful tips for great results. Consider variations to suit your taste, whether using different proteins or adding veggies. Store leftovers correctly for future meals. This dish is versatile and sure to impress anyone. Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor each delicious bite.$

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring Cajun-seasoned shrimp.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine pasta
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
1 4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Lemon wedges

Instructions

Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the fettuccine pasta and a pinch of salt. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use. Set the pasta aside.
In a mixing bowl, place the peeled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over the shrimp and toss them well until they are completely coated.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn a vibrant pink and are opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
With the skillet still on medium heat, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring as you bring it to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, progressively mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, allowing them to mingle with the creamy sauce. Gently fold in the cooked fettuccine, ensuring everything is well combined and coated with the sauce.
Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Just before serving, stir in the chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.
Plate the Cajun shrimp Alfredo pasta immediately. For an extra burst of flavor, garnish each serving with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over the dish before enjoying.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges for added flavor.

Keyword alfredo, Cajun, creamy, pasta, shrimp