Creamy Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine is a quick and flavorful dinner that combines tender shrimp coated in spicy Cajun seasoning with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. This dish balances heat and creaminess for a satisfying and impressive meal ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free pasta substitution)
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and herbs)
Pasta
Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel, then generously coat them with Cajun seasoning to infuse the signature spicy flavor.
- Cook the Fettuccine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water to adjust the sauce later.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat butter and olive oil together in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Cook over medium heat, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked fettuccine and shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; remove as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
- Use fresh, high-quality Cajun seasoning for the best flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without diluting the flavor.
- Simmer the sauce gently to avoid curdling and maintain a silky texture.
- Add Parmesan cheese gradually to ensure it melts smoothly and thickens the sauce evenly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
Keywords: Creamy Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine, Cajun shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, quick Cajun dinner, spicy shrimp pasta