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- 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 black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make this creamy Cajun shrimp Alfredo, you need a mix of simple ingredients. Start with fettuccine pasta. It adds a great texture. Next, use fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined. This makes cooking easier. Cajun seasoning gives the dish its bold flavor. I love using two tablespoons for a good kick. Olive oil helps to sauté the shrimp. Heavy cream is key for that rich sauce. Don't forget the grated Parmesan cheese. It adds creaminess and depth. Minced garlic brings a lovely aroma. Paprika and black pepper enhance the taste with warmth. Lastly, salt balances everything out. Fresh parsley is perfect for garnish. It adds color and freshness to your plate. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish truly delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Bring salted water to a boil. - Cook fettuccine until al dente. - Drain and set aside. Start by boiling water in a large pot. The salt helps to flavor the pasta. Once the water boils, add 8 oz of fettuccine. Cook it according to the package instructions. You want it to be firm yet tender. This means it should be al dente. Drain the pasta and keep it close for later. - Toss shrimp in Cajun seasoning. - Heat olive oil in a skillet. - Sauté shrimp until pink and opaque. Next, take 1 lb of shrimp and toss it with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. This will give the shrimp a bold flavor. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Once cooked, remove the shrimp and set them aside. - Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. - Add heavy cream and simmer. - Stir in Parmesan cheese and seasonings. In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Let it simmer gently. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will make the sauce creamy and rich. Add 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This seasoning will enhance the sauce. - Add fettuccine and shrimp to sauce. - Toss gently to combine. - Heat briefly before serving. Now, it's time to bring it all together. Add the cooked fettuccine and the shrimp to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and shrimp in the creamy sauce. Heat for an additional 2 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Cajun shrimp Alfredo! - To make the sauce just right, adjust the cream. Add more for a thicker sauce or less for a lighter version. - Stir the cheese in slowly. This helps create a smooth and creamy texture. - For the best taste, use homemade Cajun seasoning. This gives your dish a fresh and bold flavor. - If you like it spicy, add extra cayenne pepper. This will bring more heat to your meal. - Garnish your dish with fresh parsley. This adds a nice pop of color and freshness. - Serve the pasta in warmed bowls. This keeps the food hot and looks better on the table. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh shrimp instead of frozen. If using frozen, make sure to properly thaw them before cooking. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, start with less and add more as needed. Thicken the Sauce: If your Alfredo sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reach your desired consistency. The cheese will help it thicken as well. Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the fresh parsley! It adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the dish. {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in this dish. Substitute chicken or sausage for the shrimp. This will give you a different taste and texture. Both options work well with the creamy sauce. If you love seafood, try scallops or crab. These choices will add a unique flair to your meal. Adding veggies can make this dish even better. Spinach or bell peppers give color and nutrition. These greens mix well with the creamy sauce. For a deeper flavor, add mushrooms. They bring a nice umami taste that enhances the dish. If you need a gluten-free option, go for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great choices that taste just as good. You can also try zucchini noodles for a low-carb dish. They add a fresh twist and keep the meal light. To keep your creamy Cajun shrimp Alfredo fresh, put it in an airtight container. This helps keep out air and moisture. It is best to use the leftovers within 3 days for the best quality. After that, the taste and texture may change. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them in a skillet. This method warms the dish evenly and keeps it creamy. To avoid dryness, add a splash of cream while reheating. This simple tip helps restore the sauce's rich flavor. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it. Place the Alfredo in sealed containers. Be sure to leave some space at the top, as it may expand. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and retains the dish's taste. Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free. For cream, use coconut cream or cashew cream. Both options provide a rich texture. For cheese, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative. These swaps keep the dish creamy without dairy. Cajun seasoning varies in heat. It can be mild or quite spicy. The spice level depends on the brand and mix. If you prefer less heat, use less Cajun seasoning. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the spice. Many sides pair well with Cajun Shrimp Alfredo. Here are some popular choices: - Garlic bread: Great for soaking up sauce. - Salad: A fresh side adds crunch. - Roasted vegetables: Bright colors and flavors work well. - Rice: A simple option to enjoy extra sauce. These sides enhance your meal and offer variety. This blog post detailed how to make Cajun Shrimp Alfredo. You learned about the key ingredients, from the pasta to the spices. We also covered easy steps for cooking, along with tips for perfecting the sauce. You saw variations for different proteins and veggies, plus storage and reheating tips. This dish is fun to make and offers many options. Enjoy your cooking and share it with friends!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo

A rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring shrimp coated in Cajun seasoning and a creamy Alfredo sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
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 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning to evenly coat each piece.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens. Season with paprika, black pepper, and salt.
  • Add the cooked fettuccine and shrimp to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta and shrimp in the creamy sauce. Heat for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
  • Plate the creamy Cajun shrimp Alfredo in bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
Keyword Alfredo, Cajun, pasta, shrimp