Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
When you’re craving a dish that’s indulgent, spicy, and comforting, this Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is just what you need.
In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy succulent shrimp tossed in a creamy, zesty Alfredo sauce over fettuccine noodles.
With just the right amount of Cajun kick, this recipe is the perfect balance of heat and richness.
It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights when you want something that feels a little extra special.
Ready to spice up your dinner routine? Let’s cook!
For Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
- Shrimp – Fresh medium shrimp, peeled, tails removed, and patted dry for perfect texture.
- Cajun Seasoning – Adds the spicy kick to your shrimp, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
- Butter – A mix of butter for richness in the sauce and the shrimp for frying.
- Olive Oil – Used to sauté shrimp and prevent sticking.
- Garlic – For an aromatic, savory base in the sauce.
- Flour – Used to thicken the sauce for a creamy, rich consistency.
- Milk – A base for the sauce that makes it creamy (options for whole milk, fat-free half-and-half, or heavy cream).
- Fettuccine Noodles – The classic pasta choice for this dish, carrying the creamy sauce and shrimp.
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated for melting smoothly into the sauce.
- Salt – To enhance and balance all the flavors in the dish.
- Parsley – Freshly chopped, for garnish and a touch of freshness.
Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
Notes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled, tails removed, and patted dry)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk (see notes)
- 8 ounces fettuccine noodles
- 2 cups reserved pasta water
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the fettuccine noodles according to the package instructions.
- Drain the noodles, reserving 2 cups of the pasta water.
- Toss the pasta with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
-
Prepare the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and stir in the olive oil.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning.
- Stir for 4-7 minutes, or until the shrimp turn opaque.
- Transfer the shrimp to a dish, cover, and set aside.
-
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- Without cleaning the skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for another minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and reserved pasta water.
- Add the parmesan cheese and salt, stirring until the cheese has melted into the sauce.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
-
Combine:
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss again to combine everything well.
-
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional grated parmesan, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 446 kcal | Carbohydrates: 54 g | Protein: 23 g | Fat: 15 g | Saturated Fat: 8 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 83 mg | Sodium: 1045 mg | Potassium: 405 mg | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 8 g | Vitamin A: 1336 IU | Vitamin C: 1 mg | Calcium: 461 mg | Iron: 2 mg
- Can I use pre-cooked shrimp to save time?
If you’re in a rush, pre-cooked shrimp will work, but fresh, raw shrimp will give you the best flavor! Cooking them with the Cajun seasoning allows the spices to really infuse into the shrimp for that extra kick.
- What if I don’t have fettuccine noodles?
No problem! You can swap fettuccine with whatever pasta you have on hand. Penne, linguine, or even spaghetti will work just fine! Just follow the cooking instructions on the pasta package.
- How do I make the sauce thicker without using flour?
If you want to skip the flour, try using heavy cream for a rich, velvety texture. Or, you can let the sauce simmer a little longer to thicken naturally. Just be sure to keep an eye on it!
- Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Throw in some spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the garlic, and they’ll blend right into the sauce. Add as much or as little as you like!
- What if my sauce gets too thin?
If your sauce is a bit runny, don’t stress! Just add a bit of the reserved pasta water to adjust the thickness. It’ll help bring everything together without losing the creamy texture.
