Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo

$- 12 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning The main ingredients make this dish a standout. Fettuccine pasta provides a perfect base. Large shrimp add a juicy protein. Cajun seasoning brings a bold kick to the meal. - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened Creamy textures come from dairy. Heavy cream creates a rich sauce. Parmesan cheese adds a sharp flavor. Cream cheese smooths everything out. These dairy ingredients make the dish luxurious. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Olive oil helps to sauté the shrimp. Garlic gives a savory note to the dish. You’ll need salt and pepper to enhance flavors. Fresh parsley brightens the plate and adds color. Each of these ingredients plays a key role in flavor. Start by boiling a large pot of water. Make sure to add a good amount of salt. This helps the pasta taste better. Once the water is boiling, add the fettuccine. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta and save a cup of the pasta water for later. Next, take your shrimp and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the shrimp. Toss them well until they are fully coated. Now, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and be cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to smell nice but not burn. Now, pour in the heavy cream, stirring as you go. Next, add the Parmesan cheese and cream cheese. Keep stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water bit by bit until you get your desired thickness. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Gently toss them in the creamy sauce, ensuring they get well coated. Then, add the drained fettuccine to the skillet. Mix everything together. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. To get a creamy sauce, use heavy cream and cheese. Heat the cream on low. Stir it gently to avoid burning. I like to add the cheese slowly. This helps it melt better. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some reserved pasta water. This water has starch that helps the sauce stick. Timing is key when cooking shrimp. Cook them for just 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They turn pink when done. If you cook them too long, they can get rubbery. Use medium heat to keep them tender. Always check for a nice golden color. Pair your creamy Cajun shrimp Alfredo with a fresh side salad. Garlic bread also works well. For wine lovers, a light white wine is perfect. To make it pretty, add fresh parsley on top. Fresh herbs not only look good but also add flavor. You can even sprinkle some extra Parmesan for a tasty touch. {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for chicken or scallops. If you choose chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with Cajun spice just like you do with shrimp. Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink. Scallops are a great choice too. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Both options work well in this creamy sauce. Want a meatless dish? Use veggies instead of shrimp. Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms add great flavor. Sauté the veggies in the skillet before adding the garlic. Cook them until they are tender. Toss the veggies into the creamy sauce. This keeps the dish rich and tasty while being plant-based. Adjust the spice to fit your taste. If you like it mild, use less Cajun seasoning. Start with one tablespoon and add more if needed. For extra heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce. This way, you can control the flavor and heat level. Enjoy the dish just how you like it! To keep your Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container for best results. It stays good for up to three days. Before storing, let it cool down. This helps prevent sogginess. Always label your container with the date. When you want to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently. The best method is on the stove. Add a splash of milk or cream to help restore creaminess. Heat over low heat and stir often. This keeps the dish from getting dry. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to freeze your dish, use a freezer-safe container. Divide it into portions for easy meals later. Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo can be frozen for up to two months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Avoid freezing with fresh parsley on top; add that just before serving. Cajun seasoning is a mix of spices. It usually has paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Some blends may also include oregano and thyme. This spice mix brings a warm, bold flavor to dishes. It adds a kick that makes meals exciting. You can adjust the mix based on your taste. Yes, you can! To increase heat, add more Cajun seasoning. You can also include crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Start with small amounts, then taste as you go. This way, you can control the heat level. If you want a milder dish, reduce the seasoning. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer rice, quinoa, or chickpea options. These pastas work well in this recipe. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, like the Cajun seasoning and cream. Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo in a large bowl. This makes it easy for everyone to share. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can also add extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo is a delicious dish packed with flavor and comfort. We covered the key ingredients, from fettuccine to shrimp, and the creamy dairy components. I shared steps to cook the pasta, prepare the shrimp, and create that perfect sauce. You also learned tips for making the dish even better and ways to store leftovers. In the end, this recipe offers tasty options for everyone. Whether you enjoy the classic way or want a twist, you can make it your own. Enjoy cooking and sharing this dish!$

Indulge in a delicious bowl of Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo! This quick and easy recipe features succulent shrimp tossed in a rich, creamy sauce and paired with perfect fettuccine pasta. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Click through to discover the step-by-step recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

12 oz fettuccine pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.

Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until well coated.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously.

Incorporate Cheese: Add the Parmesan cheese and cream cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the creamy sauce. Add the cooked fettuccine and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4