Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a flavor-packed dish that brings together succulent shrimp, a creamy and rich Alfredo sauce, and a bold Cajun seasoning that adds a perfect kick to every bite.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a combination of comfort and boldness in one dish. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Bold Flavors: The Cajun seasoning brings an irresistible heat and depth of flavor to the shrimp, balancing out the creamy richness of the Alfredo sauce.
- Quick and Easy: In just under 30 minutes, you can create this flavorful meal, making it perfect for busy evenings or spontaneous dinner parties.
- Perfectly Balanced: The creamy Alfredo sauce complements the spicy shrimp, making each bite a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
- Customizable: Adjust the level of spice with more or less Cajun seasoning based on your preference. Plus, the ingredients can easily be swapped to fit dietary needs.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
Use Heavy Cream: For a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce, stick with heavy cream rather than milk or half-and-half. This will give the sauce the proper consistency and mouthfeel.
Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, always use fresh shrimp, preferably wild-caught. Frozen shrimp will work too, but make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
Tail-on Shrimp: If you enjoy a bit of extra flavor, cook with the tails on for a more robust shrimp taste. Just remove them before serving.
Season the Shrimp Well: Don’t be shy with the Cajun seasoning! Coat the shrimp generously to ensure they are packed with flavor.
Cook the Pasta Al Dente: When boiling the fettuccine pasta, cook it just until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). This will prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Make the Alfredo Sauce from Scratch: While store-bought Alfredo sauce is convenient, homemade sauce takes this dish to the next level. It’s easy to make and adds that rich, creamy texture you can’t get from a jar.
Variations of Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
- Chicken Cajun Alfredo: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, chicken can be used as a delicious substitute. Just season and cook it the same way as the shrimp.
- Vegetarian Version: You can make a vegetarian Cajun Alfredo pasta by omitting the shrimp or chicken and adding in roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
- Spicy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo: For those who love extra heat, add more Cajun seasoning or include a chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk and use dairy-free Parmesan cheese for a creamy dairy-free sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb version, use spiralized zucchini noodles (zoodles) instead of fettuccine pasta.
How to Store Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
If you have leftovers (though unlikely with how delicious this dish is!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- In the Refrigerator: Store the Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so add a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
- Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta for up to 1 month. However, the sauce may change slightly in texture upon reheating. To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the pasta in a pan over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through.
How to Serve Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is an indulgent dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes:
- Garlic Bread: The rich and buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover Alfredo sauce.
- Side Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the pasta.
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or asparagus can be a great side dish that adds some green to your meal without overpowering the main dish.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of chilled white wine, like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, can complement the creamy sauce while also cutting through the richness.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe? Yes, while fettuccine is traditional, you can use any type of pasta you like. Penne, spaghetti, or even linguine would work well with this dish.
- How can I make the sauce spicier? If you enjoy more heat, add extra Cajun seasoning, a dash of hot sauce, or even a finely chopped fresh jalapeño to the sauce or shrimp.
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Be sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which will help them sear properly.
- Can I make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it gently on the stove before combining it with the pasta.
- How do I know when the shrimp is cooked? Shrimp cook very quickly. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a flavor-packed dish that brings together succulent shrimp, a creamy and rich Alfredo sauce, and a bold Cajun seasoning that adds a perfect kick to every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons creole seasoning
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup onion, diced, divided
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 - 1 tablespoon creole seasoning
- 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add the shrimp and creole Seasoning. Toss to coat.
- In a pan, add water with salt to boil. Add pasta and cook as per the package instructions or until tender. Drain.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and butter to melt. Add in sliced mushrooms and garlic powder and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add 1/2 cup diced onions and stir cook for 1 more minute. Add the shrimp and cook until pink for about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and more creole seasoning. Simmer then lower the heat.
- Add the egg yolk, parmesan cheese, and the diced tomatoes. Keep the heat on low and allow the heat to thicken the sauce.
- Add 1/2 cup onion and the cooked pasta. Toss to coat with the sauce.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 743Total Fat 42gSaturated Fat 22gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 386mgSodium 4024mgCarbohydrates 48gFiber 5gSugar 8gProtein 43g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is the perfect dish for anyone who loves bold flavors and creamy comfort food. Whether you’re serving it on a special occasion or a casual weeknight, this recipe is sure to impress. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite!
