Indulge your taste buds with a dish that’s as rich in flavor as it is in tradition—Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo! This tantalizing recipe combines succulent shrimp with a creamy, cheesy sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. In just 35 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will have your friends and family begging for seconds. Are you ready to elevate your dinner game and impress your guests? Let’s dive into the mouthwatering world of Cajun cuisine and discover how to make this delectable dish!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add fettuccine pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning evenly over the shrimp, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a slight golden crust. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer and let reduce for 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to reach desired consistency.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the Alfredo sauce.
- Gently fold the cooked Cajun shrimp into the pasta, ensuring they are heated through.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the creamy, spicy, and rich flavors of the dish.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the ideal al dente texture, be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking the fettuccine. Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining—it’s a secret weapon for adjusting your sauce's consistency!
- Seasoning the Shrimp: Don’t skimp on the Cajun seasoning! Make sure each shrimp is well-coated for that bold flavor. If you like it spicier, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Sautéing Technique: When cooking the shrimp, avoid overcrowding the skillet. This ensures they get that lovely golden crust. Cook them in batches if necessary.
- Creamy Sauce: For an ultra-smooth Alfredo sauce, add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring continuously to prevent clumping. If the sauce thickens too much, simply add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Finishing Touches: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley not only for color but also for a burst of freshness that balances the rich flavors of the dish.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal that will impress any dinner guest!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 708kcal
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 44g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 217mg
