Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo

$- 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a rich and flavorful dish. The shrimp brings protein and a lovely texture. The fettuccine pasta is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick that elevates the dish. If you're missing some ingredients, don't worry! Here are some easy swaps: - Fettuccine Pasta: Use any pasta shape you like, such as penne or spaghetti. - Shrimp: You can replace shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different flavor. - Cajun Seasoning: Mix paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder if you don’t have Cajun seasoning. - Olive Oil: Use butter or vegetable oil instead. - Heavy Cream: Substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter option. - Parmesan Cheese: Grated Pecorino or nutritional yeast can work too. These substitutes keep the dish tasty while catering to your pantry's needs. You'll need a few key tools to make this dish: - Large pot: For boiling the fettuccine. - Large non-stick skillet: For cooking the shrimp and sauce. - Mixing bowl: To season the shrimp. - Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements. - Colander: To drain the pasta. - Tongs or a spatula: To toss everything together easily. Gathering these tools will help you cook efficiently and enjoy the process! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, grab a large pot and fill it with salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz of fettuccine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander. Remember to save a small cup of pasta water. You might need it later to adjust the sauce. Next, take 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp. Place them in a mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and toss gently. Make sure all shrimp get a good coat of the tasty spice. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. When done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for around 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not browned. Carefully pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and the sauce thickens. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add the cooked fettuccine and sautéed shrimp back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta and shrimp are well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Heat everything together for an additional 2 minutes. To serve, ladle the creamy Cajun shrimp Alfredo into bowls. For a final touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. This not only adds color but also boosts flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal! To cook shrimp just right, start with fresh or thawed shrimp. You want them firm and pink. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Watch for them to turn pink and opaque. This shows they are done. Overcooking makes shrimp tough, so stay alert. Your sauce might be thick after cooking. If so, use pasta water to fix it. Save a small cup of the water before draining your pasta. Add a little at a time to the sauce. Stir well until you reach your desired creaminess. This helps the sauce cling to the pasta perfectly. Want to make your dish stand out? Try adding extras! Fresh herbs like basil or thyme add depth. A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors. For heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes. You can also mix in sautéed bell peppers or spinach for color and health. These simple changes transform your dish into a gourmet meal. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Make sure to cook the fettuccine until al dente for the best texture. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce. Flavor Infusion: Allow the shrimp to marinate in the Cajun seasoning for at least 15 minutes before cooking. This enhances the flavor and ensures that each bite is packed with spice. Adjusting Sauce Consistency: If your Alfredo sauce becomes too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired creaminess without losing flavor. Garnishing with Flair: For an extra pop of color and freshness, add additional chopped parsley or even a sprinkle of chili flakes before serving, enhancing both the presentation and flavor. {{image_4}} You can make your creamy Cajun shrimp Alfredo even better by adding veggies. Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini work great. These veggies add color and nutrients. Just sauté them in the same pan before adding the shrimp. This simple step boosts flavor and makes your meal more balanced. If shrimp isn’t your thing, try chicken or sausage. Chicken breast adds a lean protein that pairs well with the sauce. You can use Cajun sausage for a spicy kick. Just cook them the same way as the shrimp. This way, you keep the dish full of flavor while changing up the protein. For a gluten-free version, switch the fettuccine with gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. You can also use spiralized veggies, like zucchini noodles. This keeps the dish light and fresh while ensuring everyone can enjoy it without gluten. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep the flavors locked in. Place the container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When you are ready to reheat, take the container from the fridge. Pour the creamy Cajun shrimp Alfredo into a skillet. Heat it on low to medium heat. Stir often to prevent it from sticking. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little pasta water. Heat until warm, and then enjoy! You can freeze this dish if you want to save it for later. Allow the shrimp Alfredo to cool completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly to avoid freezer burn. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for quicker thawing. This keeps the shrimp fresh and tasty for your dish. You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of butter. This gives you a similar creamy texture. Another option is using a plant-based milk like coconut milk for a dairy-free version. To add heat, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning. You can also add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. For an extra kick, try a dash of hot sauce in the Alfredo sauce. Adjust these to your taste for the perfect spice level. In this article, we explored the key ingredients and equipment needed to make a great Alfredo dish. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking pasta, shrimp, and the sauce. Plus, I shared tips to perfect your meal and ways to add your twist with variations. Remember, leftovers can be stored easily for later. Keep experimenting with substitutes and flavors, and make this recipe your own. Enjoy cooking and savoring each bite!$

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo

A rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices, served in a creamy Alfredo sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine pasta
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce later.
In a mixing bowl, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over them, tossing gently to ensure each shrimp is evenly coated in the flavorful spice mix.
In a large non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté for around 30 seconds, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Carefully pour in the heavy cream while stirring, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce thickens. Season with paprika, black pepper, and salt, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
Add the cooked fettuccine and sautéed shrimp back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and shrimp are well coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Heat everything together for an additional 2 minutes.
To serve, ladle portions of the creamy Cajun shrimp Alfredo into bowls. Garnish each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch and added flavor.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve in shallow pasta bowls and add a slice of lemon on the side.

Keyword Alfredo, Cajun, creamy, pasta, shrimp