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Flavorful Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe Easy Creamy Spice

Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta - featured image

A quick and easy creamy Cajun shrimp Alfredo pasta that balances bold spice with smooth, rich flavors. Perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large-sized)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine pasta, cooked al dente
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream (full-fat)
  • 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing shrimp)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, toss the peeled shrimp with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Set aside for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary. Remove shrimp to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Slowly pour in 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream, stirring constantly. Simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly. Watch closely to prevent boiling over.
  6. Stir in 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
  7. Add drained fettuccine to the skillet with sauce. Toss gently to coat every strand. Let it cook together for 1-2 minutes so flavors meld.
  8. Nestle the Cajun shrimp back into the pasta. Heat through for another minute, stirring gently to combine.
  9. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
  10. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve immediately while warm. Optionally, add extra Parmesan for garnish.

Notes

Keep an eye on shrimp cooking time to avoid rubbery texture. Add cheese off the heat to keep sauce silky. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of cream or water to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp, Alfredo pasta, creamy pasta, spicy pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, seafood pasta