Description
This Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining perfectly seasoned Cajun shrimp with a rich Parmesan cream sauce served over tender fettuccine pasta. The recipe balances spicy Cajun seasoning with a smooth, cheesy Alfredo sauce for a satisfying and indulgent meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Season Shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, in a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with the Cajun seasoning, ensuring that each shrimp is evenly coated.
- Cook Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Season Sauce and Combine: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Then, add the cooked fettuccine and shrimp to the sauce, tossing to combine everything evenly.
- Heat Through: Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta!
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to remain tender and juicy.
- Cajun seasoning can be adjusted based on preferred spice level.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives the best flavor and texture for the sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though sauce will be less rich.
