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!
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Return shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together.
- 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