Cajun Shrimp Alfredo

Cajun Shrimp Alfredo

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Creamy, indulgent, and packed with bold flavors, Cajun Shrimp Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food that blends the richness of Alfredo sauce with the smoky, spicy kick of Cajun seasoning. It’s a quick and easy recipe that transforms simple ingredients into an impressive dinner, perfect for weeknights or a special occasion.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo

Shrimp is a fantastic ingredient to work with – tender, juicy, and fast-cooking. When paired with a creamy Alfredo sauce and spiced with Cajun seasoning, the result is absolutely mouthwatering. The Cajun spices add a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the creamy sauce, while the shrimp provides the perfect texture and taste.

This recipe is all about balance: smoky heat from the Cajun spice mix, creamy and cheesy goodness from the Alfredo, and a touch of freshness from garnishes like parsley. And the best part? It comes together in just under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty, satisfying meal.

Unlike a classic Alfredo that can be a bit one-note, this Cajun twist brings layers of flavor that will keep you coming back for more. This dish is sure to impress everyone at the table, whether it’s a family dinner or a dinner party with friends.

Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp Alfredo

To make this delicious Cajun Shrimp Alfredo, you’ll need a mix of fresh and pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:

Shrimp

  • Large Shrimp – Use peeled and deveined shrimp, tails on or off based on your preference. Fresh or frozen shrimp works, but if using frozen, be sure to thaw them beforehand.

Cajun Seasoning

  • Cajun Spice Blend – A mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano brings that smoky, spicy kick. Store-bought works well, but homemade gives you better control over the heat level.

Creamy Alfredo Sauce

  • Butter – Adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream – The base of the Alfredo sauce, giving it that luscious, creamy consistency.
  • Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty, cheesy depth of flavor that’s irresistible.
  • Garlic – Freshly minced garlic enhances the sauce with a bold, savory note.

Pasta

  • Fettuccine Pasta – Classic for Alfredo recipes because it holds the creamy sauce so well, but you can substitute with linguine or spaghetti if preferred.

Garnishes

  • Fresh Parsley – Chopped parsley adds a fresh, vibrant touch that complements the richness of the dish.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but perfect for an extra pop of heat.

This ingredient list strikes the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors that make Cajun Shrimp Alfredo so unforgettable.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp Alfredo

Making Cajun Shrimp Alfredo is surprisingly simple, yet the result tastes like a dish straight out of a restaurant. Follow these step-by-step instructions to whip up this creamy, spicy, and flavorful meal:

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

  • In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Set aside while preparing the sauce and pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer.
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly caramelized. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

  • In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  • Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

  • Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step 6: Add the Shrimp

  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to combine with the pasta and sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, just until everything is heated through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

  • Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, Cajun-spiced shrimp Alfredo!

This step-by-step guide ensures that every bite of your Cajun Shrimp Alfredo is perfectly creamy, flavorful, and satisfying.

How Long to Cook Cajun Shrimp Alfredo

Cooking Cajun Shrimp Alfredo is all about timing, especially since shrimp cooks quickly and the sauce comes together fast. Here are some key tips to ensure everything is perfectly cooked and delicious:

Cooking the Shrimp

  • Shrimp cooks in just 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s done when it turns pink, opaque, and curls into a “C” shape. Overcooking shrimp can make it rubbery, so keep an eye on it.

Preparing the Pasta

  • Fettuccine typically cooks in 10-12 minutes, depending on the brand. Start boiling the pasta as you prep the shrimp and sauce to save time. Make sure to reserve some pasta water before draining it to adjust the sauce consistency later.

Simmering the Alfredo Sauce

  • The Alfredo sauce takes 5-7 minutes to thicken after adding the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently on low heat to avoid scorching or curdling.

Bringing It All Together

  • Once the pasta is tossed with the sauce and shrimp is added, cook everything together for about 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:

  • Refrigerator: Store Cajun Shrimp Alfredo in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as shrimp can overcook and become rubbery.

Cooking Tips for Success

  • Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan may not melt as smoothly into the sauce, so opt for fresh whenever possible.
  • Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Let the shrimp rest briefly after cooking so their juices redistribute, keeping them juicy and tender.
  • Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the Alfredo sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt or more Cajun spice if needed.

Cajun Shrimp Alfredo comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy evenings. By following these cooking guidelines, you’ll get tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, flavorful sauce every single time!

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Cajun Shrimp Alfredo

Cajun Shrimp Alfredo


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

Description

Easy, creamy, and bursting with bold flavors, Cajun Shrimp Alfredo is the perfect dinner recipe for busy nights or when you want to impress your loved ones. This rich, spicy, and cheesy dish is simple to make and absolutely satisfying!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

For the Alfredo Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta
  • Salt, for boiling water
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until well coated. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  3. Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  4. Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add the Parmesan Cheese: Reduce heat to low and whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in Cajun seasoning to taste.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Use the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  7. Add the Shrimp: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can adjust the Cajun seasoning to suit your spice tolerance.
  • For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

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