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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta combines the rich and velvety smoothness of classic Alfredo sauce with a bold, spicy Cajun kick and succulent shrimp. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for seafood lovers, offering a satisfying and comforting meal with a unique twist that marries Italian and Southern flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 1 lb fresh or frozen peeled and deveined shrimp
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, oregano blend)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Sauce

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

Pasta

  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta
  • Salt, for pasta water

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp: Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a pan over medium heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and slightly charred. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  3. Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same pan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and gently simmer, stirring frequently. Slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes silky smooth.
  4. Combine pasta and shrimp: Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat every strand. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen it. Toss in the cooked Cajun shrimp and mix well to combine.
  5. Garnish and serve: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best creamy and spicy experience.

Notes

  • Use room temperature shrimp to ensure even cooking and avoid toughness.
  • Do not overcook the shrimp; cook just until pink to keep them juicy and tender.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for better melting and richer flavor.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning to control the spice level; add chili flakes if you want extra heat.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent the sauce from burning or separating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp Alfredo, creamy pasta, spicy Alfredo, seafood pasta, Cajun pasta, shrimp fettuccine

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/creamy-cajun-shrimp-alfredo-pasta/