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To make a delicious Cajun Alfredo Shrimp Pasta, gather these fresh ingredients: - 8 ounces fettuccine pasta - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1/2 cup freshly chopped parsley - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: Red pepper flakes for an extra kick Each ingredient plays a vital role in building flavors. The fettuccine provides a hearty base, while the shrimp adds protein and a slight sweetness. Cajun seasoning gives a warm, spicy kick. Olive oil is essential for sautéing, keeping the dish rich. Garlic brings aromatic depth. Heavy cream and Parmesan create a luxurious sauce, making the pasta creamy and decadent. Sun-dried tomatoes add tang, and parsley gives a fresh finish. For those who love heat, red pepper flakes can elevate the dish. Adjust the amount to fit your taste. This mix of ingredients ensures a flavorful family feast that is sure to impress! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling water. Use a large pot and add salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes until it is al dente. Once done, drain the pasta. Remember to save about 1 cup of the pasta water for later. Set the drained pasta aside. Take 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. In a mixing bowl, add 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Toss the shrimp well, ensuring each piece gets a nice coat of the spicy seasoning. This step brings the flavors alive. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is ready, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. After cooking, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet, keep the heat at medium. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring gently. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Now, gradually sprinkle in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If it looks too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the right consistency. Add the cooked fettuccine, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and the sautéed shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently. Make sure the pasta is well coated with the rich Alfredo sauce. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. If you enjoy some heat, add red pepper flakes. Just before serving, mix in 1/2 cup of freshly chopped parsley. This adds a burst of color and flavor to your dish. To perfectly cook fettuccine pasta, start with a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine. Cook it as per the package directions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. The pasta should be al dente, meaning it’s firm to the bite. Before you drain the pasta, save about 1 cup of the cooking water. This water can help adjust the sauce later. Now, let’s achieve that creamy Alfredo sauce. After cooking the shrimp, keep using the same skillet. Lower the heat and add minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese slowly. Keep stirring until it melts and becomes smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water. For a great presentation, serve Cajun Alfredo Shrimp Pasta in deep bowls. This adds a rustic feel. Top each serving with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You can also add lemon wedges on the side. This not only looks nice but gives a fresh splash of flavor when guests squeeze it over their pasta. Want to add some spice? Use red pepper flakes. They can give your dish an extra kick. Just sprinkle them in while seasoning the dish. Start with a small amount, then taste it. You can always add more if you like it hotter! This simple addition can elevate the flavors and make your Cajun Alfredo Shrimp Pasta even more exciting. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh shrimp and high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor in your Alfredo sauce. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the fettuccine just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce. Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your taste preference for a milder or spicier dish. Leftover Sauce: If you have leftover Alfredo sauce, it can be refrigerated and used within a few days. Simply reheat gently and adjust with a splash of cream or pasta water. {{image_4}} You can swap shrimp for chicken or fish in this dish. Chicken breast works well. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces and season like you would the shrimp. Cook it until it’s golden brown. For fish, use a firm type like salmon or cod. Cook it gently to avoid breaking apart. Both options blend nicely with the creamy sauce. To make a vegetarian Cajun Alfredo Pasta, skip the shrimp entirely. Use mushrooms or zucchini instead. Slice them up and sauté them until tender. This adds a savory depth and texture. You can also add more sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Use vegetable broth in place of heavy cream for a lighter touch. If you're looking for lighter alternatives, you can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based milk. For cheese, try nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version. You can also use a vegan cheese that melts well. These swaps keep your pasta creamy and delicious without the extra calories. To keep your Cajun Alfredo Shrimp Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours after serving. This helps prevent bacteria growth. The pasta will stay good for about 3 days. When you store it, try to keep the shrimp and pasta mixed with the sauce. This keeps the flavors intact. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the pasta gently. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to keep it moist. Stir often to prevent sticking. Heat until the shrimp is warm, but be careful not to overcook it. This keeps the shrimp tender and juicy. If you want to save Cajun Alfredo Shrimp Pasta for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove, just like before, for the best taste and texture. To add more spice, use extra Cajun seasoning. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes in the sauce or on top. For a bold kick, add diced jalapeños or fresh chopped chili peppers. Adjust to your taste! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15 minutes. Pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps them cook evenly. Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. If they curl into a "C" shape, they are perfectly cooked. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender. Fettuccine is the best choice for this recipe. Its wide shape holds the creamy sauce well. You can also use linguine or penne if you prefer. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture. Yes, you can make it dairy-free. Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. This way, everyone can enjoy it! In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious Cajun Alfredo Shrimp Pasta. We covered each ingredient and its role in the dish, along with step-by-step cooking instructions. I shared tips for perfecting your pasta and sauce, plus variations if you want to switch things up. Lastly, I discussed how to store and reheat leftovers effectively. Enjoy this vibrant dish that mixes flavors, texture, and comfort. You will love making it for friends and family!

Cajun Alfredo Shrimp Pasta

A creamy and spicy pasta dish featuring shrimp and Cajun flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 0.5 cup freshly chopped parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes for an extra kick

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, saving about 1 cup of the cooking water for later use. Set the drained pasta aside.
  • Season the Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Toss well to ensure each shrimp is evenly coated with the spice blend.
  • Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  • Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: Using the same skillet (don’t clean it), reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently, and let it simmer lightly for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Incorporate Cheese: Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while continuously stirring. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Combine All Ingredients: Add the cooked fettuccine, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and sautéed shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta is generously coated in the rich Alfredo sauce.
  • Season and Garnish: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. For those who like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Just before serving, remove the skillet from heat and mix in the freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese. Lemon wedges can be added for a citrusy touch.
Keyword alfredo, Cajun, pasta, shrimp