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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish combining succulent shrimp seasoned with smoky Cajun spices, enveloped in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce, and tossed with tender pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this recipe balances bold heat with creamy comfort for a satisfying, elegant meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 1 lb fresh or thawed peeled and deveined shrimp
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and other spices blend)

Alfredo Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Season the Shrimp: Toss peeled and deveined shrimp evenly with Cajun seasoning until fully coated to infuse them with vibrant flavor.
  2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, until pink and slightly seared. Remove shrimp and set aside, keeping them warm.
  3. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and gently simmer. Whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese continuously until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
  4. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
  5. Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta and shrimp into the creamy Alfredo sauce, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately for a warm, comforting dish.

Notes

  • Choose fresh shrimp for sweeter taste and quicker cooking; frozen shrimp must be fully thawed and patted dry.
  • Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; remove as soon as they turn pink.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for smooth melting; pre-grated cheese may not melt well.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick without diluting flavor.
  • Adjust seasoning gradually, tasting as you go to balance the creamy sauce and Cajun heat.
  • Simmer sauce gently on low heat to prevent cream from scorching or curdling and to achieve lush texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo, Cajun Shrimp Pasta, Easy Shrimp Alfredo, Spicy Alfredo Pasta, Quick Dinner Recipe