Description
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo
A Spicy, Creamy Indulgence That’s Perfect for Any Night!
If you love rich, creamy pasta with a kick, this Cajun Shrimp Alfredo is going to be your new favorite! Juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp rest on a bed of silky fettuccine, all drenched in a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce. With a touch of Cajun spice, this dish delivers bold flavor in every bite!
Ingredients
For the Cajun Shrimp:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional, for extra spice!)
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
12 oz fettuccine pasta
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Cajun Shrimp
In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add Parmesan cheese and Cajun seasoning. Stir until the sauce thickens.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Everything
Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy sauce.
Place the cooked shrimp on top and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve & Enjoy!
Plate up this indulgent dish and dig in! A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon will take it to the next level.
Pro Tips:
Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes!
Swap shrimp for grilled chicken if you prefer.
Use fresh Parmesan for the best, melt-in-your-mouth sauce!
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo is comfort food at its finest—creamy, garlicky, with just the right amount of spice.
Make it tonight and let your taste buds dance!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results every time. First, prep all ingredients: grate the Parmesan, mince the garlic, and chop the parsley. Begin boiling your salted pasta water. While it heats, season the shrimp in a bowl. Cook the pasta to al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. In your large skillet, cook the shrimp as instructed and set aside. For the sauce, ensure the heat is medium to prevent the cream from scalding when you add it to the butter and garlic. Whisk constantly as you slowly sprinkle in the Parmesan to create a smooth, lump-free emulsion. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Finally, toss the pasta in the sauce, top with shrimp, and garnish.
Serving Suggestions
Plate this rich pasta with light, contrasting sides. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess beautifully. For a vegetable side, roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans are excellent. To elevate the presentation, serve in a warm bowl with lemon wedges on the side, extra chopped parsley, and a light dusting of paprika. A crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly.
How-to Summary
In summary: Cook pasta. Season and sear shrimp until pink. In the same pan, make a sauce by sautéing garlic in butter, adding cream and Parmesan, and seasoning. Toss pasta in sauce, top with shrimp, and garnish with parsley. The entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes using one main skillet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh. The sauce can thicken upon sitting. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a slightly lighter version, half-and-half can work, but the sauce will be less rich and may not thicken as much.
How do I prevent my Alfredo sauce from breaking or becoming grainy?
Use freshly grated Parmesan (not pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents), keep the heat medium-low, and add the cheese gradually while whisking.
Is there a way to make this less spicy for kids?
Absolutely. Simply omit the Cajun seasoning from the sauce and use a mild paprika on the shrimp. You can add spice individually at the table.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat them very dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a good sear.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Shrimp: They cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long. Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: It often doesn’t melt smoothly. Take the extra minute to grate a block of Parmesan cheese yourself.
- Boiling the Sauce: After adding the cream, keep it at a gentle simmer. A rolling boil can cause the sauce to separate or become oily.
- Neglecting to Salt the Pasta Water: This is your only chance to season the pasta itself. Use water as salty as the sea.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo masterfully combines luxurious comfort with bold, spicy flavor. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that is deceptively simple to prepare at home, requiring just one skillet and about 30 minutes. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a consistently perfect meal that’s sure to impress. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers a satisfying, memorable eating experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.