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- 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb 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 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley for garnish To make Cajun shrimp Alfredo, you need some key ingredients. First, you will use 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta. This pasta is thick and holds sauce well. You will also need 1 pound of large shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for easy cooking. Next, add flavor with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. This spice mix gives the dish its signature kick. You will also need 2 tablespoons of olive oil to cook the shrimp. For a creamy sauce, gather 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. These will create a rich, smooth texture. You will need 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter for sautéing garlic. Make sure to have salt and pepper on hand for seasoning. Lastly, 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley will add color and freshness to your dish. This simple list of ingredients will help you make a delicious Cajun shrimp Alfredo that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of fettuccine pasta. Cook it for 8-10 minutes or until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. When the pasta is done, drain it in a colander. Don’t forget to keep 1 cup of pasta water for later. This water helps to make the sauce creamy. Now, let’s work on the shrimp. In a medium bowl, take 1 lb of large shrimp that is peeled and deveined. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over the shrimp. Toss the shrimp so that they are fully coated with the spices. This adds a lot of flavor! Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, take them out of the skillet and place them on a plate. Now, let’s make the Alfredo sauce. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. As the butter melts, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Stir it often to avoid burning. When the garlic smells good, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Keep stirring as the cream heats. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken a bit. Next, whisk in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Now, it's time to combine everything. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Then, add the fettuccine. Toss all the ingredients together gently. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time. You want the pasta and shrimp to be fully coated in the creamy sauce. To get the best sauce, use the pasta water. This water has starch, which helps the sauce cling better to the pasta. Start with a little and add more as needed. If you want great flavor, pick a Cajun seasoning that suits your taste. Some are spicy, while others offer more herbs. Look for shrimp that is pink and opaque. This shows they are done. Cook them for only 2-3 minutes on each side. If you let them cook too long, they get tough. Timing is key for tender shrimp. When serving, use shallow bowls for a nice look. Twirl the pasta to make it eye-catching. Place a few whole shrimp on top for added flair. Finish with extra cheese and parsley. This adds color and makes the dish pop. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook your pasta in generously salted water to enhance its flavor. It should taste like the sea! Fresh Shrimp: Use the freshest shrimp possible for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. Cheese Choice: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated to achieve a creamier sauce that melts beautifully. Adjusting Spice: Taste the sauce before serving; if you prefer more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more Cajun seasoning to suit your palate. {{image_4}} You can make this dish work for your needs. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free fettuccine. Many brands offer great taste and texture. If you want a dairy-free dish, try coconut cream instead of heavy cream. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Adding vegetables can make your meal even better. Bell peppers add a nice crunch and sweetness. Spinach adds color and nutrients. You can sauté them in the same pan as the shrimp. For cheese lovers, try different cheeses like Gouda or smoked cheddar. They can give a unique twist to your sauce. You can control the spice level of your dish. If you like it mild, use less Cajun seasoning. You can also leave out any extra spices. For more heat, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Adjust it to your taste for a perfect spicy kick! To keep your Cajun shrimp Alfredo fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Place the pasta and shrimp in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and flavors intact. Use the leftovers within 3 days for the best taste. When you reheat your dish, aim to keep it creamy. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat it on low. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to keep the sauce smooth. Stir gently until warmed through. This method helps avoid overcooking the shrimp. If you want to freeze Cajun shrimp Alfredo, do so before adding the cream sauce. Cook the pasta and shrimp, then cool them down. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, leave it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet, adding fresh cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Cajun Shrimp Alfredo pairs well with several sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread or breadsticks - A simple green salad with a light dressing - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus - Roasted potatoes or a creamy potato salad - Corn on the cob for a sweet crunch These sides enhance the meal and add more colors to your plate. Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead of time. Here’s how: - Cook the fettuccine and store it in the fridge. - Season the shrimp and keep them in a sealed container. - Make the Alfredo sauce and store it separately. When you are ready to eat, just reheat the sauce and shrimp. Cook the pasta fresh for the best texture. Fettuccine is the classic choice for Alfredo. Its wide shape holds the creamy sauce well. However, you can try these alternatives: - Linguine for a similar texture - Penne for a fun bite-sized option - Gluten-free pasta for a diet-friendly choice - Whole wheat pasta for added fiber Each type of pasta will give you a unique taste and feel in your dish. This blog post detailed how to make Cajun Shrimp Alfredo, from ingredients to cooking tips. We covered the essential steps: cooking pasta, preparing shrimp, and making a creamy Alfredo sauce. You learned about ingredient variations, storage, and ideas for serving. In conclusion, this dish is tasty and adaptable. You can impress your family and friends with this easy recipe. Enjoy creating your perfect Cajun Shrimp Alfredo!

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo

A creamy and spicy pasta dish featuring Cajun-seasoned shrimp and fettuccine.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 lb 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
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta water for later.
  • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the shrimp and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated with the spices.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. As it melts, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
  • Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to combine. Let the cream simmer on medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens. Next, whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese completely melts and the sauce achieves a smooth and creamy consistency.
  • Return the sautéed shrimp to the skillet, followed by the cooked fettuccine. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency, making sure the pasta and shrimp are thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce.
  • Taste the dish and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve the Spicy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of cheese and parsley for presentation.
Keyword alfredo, Cajun, pasta, shrimp, spicy