Cajun Shrimp Alfredo: The Ultimate Creamy & Spicy Pasta Recipe

Cajun Shrimp Alfredo: The Ultimate Creamy & Spicy Pasta Recipe

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• Author: Arianna
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Cajun Shrimp Alfredo is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish loaded with juicy shrimp coated in bold Cajun spices, tossed with fettuccine in a rich Alfredo sauce. This easy one-pan dinner comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a special date night at home. It’s a delicious fusion of comfort food and bold Cajun flair that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional, for extra kick)

Pasta:

• 12 oz fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season & Cook Shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
3. Make Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and extra Cajun seasoning if desired.
4. Combine: Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Return shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Optional: Serve with garlic bread or a side salad.

Notes

• Adjust the heat level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning.
• Swap shrimp for chicken or sausage if desired.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream (though the sauce will be thinner).
• Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: ~620 kcal
• Fat: ~32g
• Carbohydrates: ~50g
• Protein: ~35g

Few dishes strike the perfect balance between comforting creaminess and bold, spicy flavors like Cajun Shrimp Alfredo. Imagine twirling forkfuls of silky fettuccine, coated in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce, infused with the smoky warmth of Cajun seasoning. Now add tender, blackened shrimp, pan-seared to perfection, delivering a zesty, slightly charred bite in every mouthful.

This dish is a fusion of Italian and Southern cuisine, making it the perfect meal for those who love creamy pasta but crave a kick of spice. The best part? You can make it in just 30 minutes with simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, a romantic date night dish, or a crowd-pleasing meal for guests, this Cajun Shrimp Alfredo will impress every time.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Cajun Shrimp Alfredo

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. The key to bold, balanced taste lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients and layering flavors strategically throughout the cooking process.

Choosing the Right Pasta

While fettuccine is the traditional choice for Alfredo dishes due to its wide, sauce-clinging surface, you can swap it for linguine, penne, or even spaghetti. If you’re curious about other pasta varieties and how they affect texture, check out this guide to pasta types to find the perfect match for your preferences.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp Alfredo – Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we have the ingredients ready, let’s break down the cooking process into simple, easy-to-follow steps.

Step 1: Seasoning & Searing the Shrimp

The secret to deep Cajun flavor lies in the way you season and sear your shrimp. Dry the shrimp with a paper towel, then toss them in Cajun seasoning, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Coating them evenly ensures they develop a flavorful crust when seared.

Pro Tip:
If you love extra-spicy shrimp, mix ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper into your Cajun seasoning for an extra fiery kick.

Searing Instructions:

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp in a single layer (avoid overcrowding the pan).
3. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a slight char.
4. Remove shrimp and set aside to prevent overcooking.

Step 2: Creating the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

A great Cajun Alfredo sauce is rich, smooth, and full of garlicky depth. It should coat the pasta evenly without feeling too heavy or greasy.

1. In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic.
2. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up the flavorful bits left from searing the shrimp (deglazing the pan).
4. Reduce slightly, then slowly stir in heavy cream while whisking to keep it smooth.
5. Gradually sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to ensure it melts without clumping.
6. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency.

Pro Tip:
To prevent your sauce from becoming too thick, reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining your pasta. If needed, add small splashes until the sauce reaches the perfect consistency.

Step 3: Combining Pasta, Shrimp & Sauce

Once your sauce is smooth and creamy, it’s time to bring everything together.

1. Cook fettuccine pasta in well-salted boiling water until al dente (about 10-12 minutes).
2. Drain pasta but reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
3. Add the pasta to the simmering Cajun Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to fully coat every strand.
4. Return the seared shrimp to the pan, stirring carefully so they stay juicy and tender.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

What Goes Well with Cajun Shrimp Alfredo?

Pairing this dish with the right sides enhances its flavors and provides a complete meal.

• Crispy Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables – Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add freshness.
• Side Salad – A light Caesar or lemon vinaigrette salad balances the richness.

📝Additionally, if you love bold, spicy seafood dishes, try this Shrimp Ramen recipe, which incorporates similar Cajun flavors into a comforting noodle dish.

Expanding Cajun Alfredo with Variations

Looking to customize your Cajun Shrimp Alfredo? Try these delicious twists:

• Chicken Cajun Alfredo – Swap shrimp for grilled Cajun-spiced chicken.
• Spicy Sausage Alfredo – Add slices of andouille sausage for a smoky kick.
• Lighter Version – Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.

How to Thicken Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Sauce

A perfect Cajun Shrimp Alfredo should have a rich, creamy sauce that clings to the pasta without being too runny or overly thick. Achieving the right consistency is essential to creating a restaurant-quality dish. If your Alfredo sauce turns out too thin, here are proven techniques to fix it without compromising flavor.

1. Simmer to Reduce Liquid

One of the easiest ways to thicken Alfredo sauce is to let it simmer longer. Keeping the sauce over low to medium heat allows excess liquid to evaporate, resulting in a more concentrated, thicker consistency.

✔ Pro Tip: Stir the sauce frequently while simmering to prevent burning or separating. If it reduces too much, add a splash of pasta water or heavy cream to restore the perfect texture.

2. Add More Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese is a natural thickening agent due to its high protein and fat content. Adding freshly grated Parmesan gradually while stirring allows the sauce to develop a silky, smooth texture.

✔ Best Practice: Avoid pre-shredded Parmesan, as it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting properly.

3. Use a Cornstarch Slurry

If your sauce is still too thin, a cornstarch slurry can work wonders. Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then whisk it into the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until it thickens.

✔ Alternative Option: If you don’t have cornstarch, try flour or arrowroot powder for a similar effect.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Cajun Shrimp Alfredo

Pro Tips & Delicious Variations

Looking for ways to elevate your Cajun Shrimp Alfredo? Try these creative ideas:

1. Swap the Protein

While shrimp is the star ingredient, you can experiment with:

• Grilled Cajun Chicken – A hearty, protein-rich alternative.
• Andouille Sausage – Adds a smoky, spicy kick.
• Scallops or Salmon – For a seafood-inspired twist.

2. Make It Extra Creamy

For an ultra-rich sauce, stir in ¼ cup of mascarpone cheese or an extra splash of heavy cream.

✔ Best Practice: If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it with reserved pasta water.

3. Add Roasted Vegetables

Enhance texture and flavor by adding:

• Sautéed mushrooms for an umami boost.
• Roasted bell peppers for natural sweetness.
• Spinach or kale for added nutrients.

Conclusion

Cajun Shrimp Alfredo is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or just craving bold flavors, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

By mastering thickening techniques, customizing spice levels, and exploring variations, you can create a personalized, restaurant-quality dish at home. Now, it’s time to grab your Cajun seasoning, fresh shrimp, and pasta—and enjoy a flavor-packed, comforting meal!