Cajun Shrimp Alfredo

Introduction:
This Cajun Shrimp Alfredo is a creamy, spicy, and indulgent pasta dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich Alfredo sauce infused with Cajun spices. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that brings bold flavors to your table, ready in under 30 minutes. The creamy Alfredo sauce pairs perfectly with the heat from the Cajun seasoning, making it a delightful and comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick and easy: A perfect meal for busy weeknights, ready in under 30 minutes.
• Flavor-packed: Cajun spices add a delicious kick to the classic Alfredo sauce.
• Comfort food: Creamy pasta and shrimp make for a satisfying, hearty dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley and grated Parmesan for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Season and Cook the Shrimp:
   • In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
   • Stir in the Parmesan cheese, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue to cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Combine Pasta and Shrimp:
   • Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
   • Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, making sure everything is well combined and heated through.
5. Serve:
   • Garnish with chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Shrimp: Make sure not to overcook the shrimp. They cook quickly and should be pink and opaque.
• Sauce Consistency: If your sauce thickens too much, add pasta water or a little more cream to loosen it up.
• Cajun Seasoning: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.

Recipe Variations:

• Chicken Alfredo: Substitute shrimp with cooked, sliced chicken breast for a Cajun Chicken Alfredo.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of bell peppers and zucchini for a vegetarian twist.
• Extra Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
• Pair with a cold glass of iced tea or a crisp white wine for a refreshing contrast.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Alfredo sauce can sometimes separate when reheated, so freezing is not recommended. However, you can freeze the cooked shrimp separately.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency.

Special Equipment:

• Large Skillet: A large skillet is perfect for cooking the shrimp and making the Alfredo sauce.
• Pasta Pot: Use a large pot to ensure the pasta cooks evenly.

FAQ:

• Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning? Yes, store-bought Cajun seasoning works great, but feel free to adjust the heat to your liking.
• Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream? Yes, but the sauce may be slightly less creamy. If using half-and-half, be careful not to boil it, as it can curdle.

Preparation Time:

• 10 minutes for prepping ingredients and cooking the shrimp.

Cook Time:

• 15 minutes for making the Alfredo sauce and pasta.

Total Time:

• 25 minutes (including prep and cook time).

Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 230mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Cajun Shrimp Alfredo

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Adriel
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley and grated Parmesan for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

• Cook the Pasta:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
• Season and Cook the Shrimp:
  • In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
• Make the Alfredo Sauce:
  • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Stir in the Parmesan cheese, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue to cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
• Combine Pasta and Shrimp:
  • Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
  • Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, making sure everything is well combined and heated through.
• Serve:
  • Garnish with chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 600 kcal
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 35g

Closing Notes:
Tried this Cajun Shrimp Alfredo? Let us know how it turned out in the comments! Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your Alfredo creations, and check back for more flavorful pasta recipes.