Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

$- 8 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 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red and green) - 1/4 cup chopped green onions - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish For Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, you need a few key items. First, the fettuccine pasta gives the dish its classic structure. I prefer large shrimp for their tender bite and flavor. Cajun seasoning adds the spice that makes this meal pop. Next, we have some extra ingredients. Olive oil serves as a base for cooking. Garlic brings a nice aroma and taste. Heavy cream creates the rich alfredo sauce. Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth. Bell peppers give color and crunch. Green onions lend a fresh touch, while salt and pepper balance the flavors. Finally, fresh parsley is perfect for garnish. It adds a vibrant look and a hint of freshness. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to create a dish that’s both flavorful and easy! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This makes the pasta taste better. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook it until it is al dente. Al dente means it is firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. It is key to check the package for exact time. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander. Set it aside but do not rinse. Rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce stick. Next, take your shrimp and toss them in a bowl with Cajun seasoning. Make sure each shrimp gets coated well. Cajun spice adds a nice kick to the shrimp. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the shrimp. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You want them to turn pink and curl up slightly. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, it’s time to make the Alfredo sauce. Start by adding minced garlic and diced bell peppers to the pan. Sauté them for about 2 minutes until they smell good. Then pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Bring it to a gentle simmer. This helps the flavors mix. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts and becomes creamy. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed. Now, add the cooked fettuccine and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together. Make sure the pasta is well coated in the sauce. This is where all the magic happens. If you find the pasta too dry, add a bit more cream or pasta water. This keeps everything moist and delicious. For the last step, stir in the chopped green onions. This adds a fresh crunch to the dish. Let everything heat through for another minute. This finishes cooking the pasta and shrimp. Now you’re ready to serve! Dish out the Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta into bowls. For a pretty touch, garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your meal! Adjusting Thickness and Creaminess To get the right thickness, start with heavy cream. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This helps thin it out while adding flavor. For creaminess, make sure to whisk in the Parmesan cheese slowly. This helps it melt well. Seasoning for Flavor Balance Taste your sauce as you cook. Add salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. If you want more spice, toss in extra Cajun seasoning. Just a pinch can make a big difference. Avoiding Overcooking Cook your shrimp just until they turn pink. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough. Choosing the Right Heat Level Use medium heat when cooking shrimp. It allows for even cooking without burning. If the oil smokes, lower the heat. You want a nice sizzle, not a burn. Best Sides and Pairings Cajun Shrimp Alfredo pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh salad. A crisp green salad adds a nice crunch and balances the creamy pasta. Presentation Tips for Plating When plating, use a large bowl. Twirl the fettuccine for a nice spiral. Top with shrimp, then sprinkle green onions and parsley for color. This makes your dish look gourmet and inviting. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Texture: Make sure to cook the fettuccine until al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat if desired. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh garlic and vegetables for a brighter flavor in your Alfredo sauce. Fresh herbs can also enhance the dish's aroma and taste. Garnish for Appeal: Don't skip the fresh parsley garnish! It not only adds color but also a fresh note that complements the richness of the dish. {{image_2}} You can easily swap proteins in this dish. Try using chicken or sausage instead of shrimp. Chicken thighs work well; they stay moist and full of flavor. You can sauté the chicken in the same way as the shrimp. For sausage, use andouille for a nice kick. Just slice it and cook until browned. If you want a vegetarian option, consider mushrooms or tofu. Both absorb flavors well. Sauté them just like the shrimp, letting them soak up that Cajun spice. To amp up the flavor, add more Cajun seasoning. A pinch more makes the dish spicier. You can also mix in smoked paprika or cayenne for an extra kick. Adding vegetables enhances nutrition and taste. Try spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. Toss them in with the garlic and peppers for a colorful boost. They add great texture and freshness. If you're looking for gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great alternatives that cook well. Check the package for cooking times. For a low-carb meal, swap pasta for spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice. Both options work nicely and keep the dish light. Just sauté them briefly to keep their crunch. Enjoy your Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta in a healthier way! To keep your Cajun shrimp Alfredo pasta fresh, use proper containers. Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work best. Store the pasta in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. Cooling is key. Let the pasta cool for about 30 minutes before sealing it. Avoid putting hot food directly in the fridge. This can raise the fridge temperature and spoil other foods. When you're ready to eat leftovers, keep the pasta creamy. Use a skillet over low heat and add a splash of milk or cream. This will help smooth out the sauce. Stir gently as it warms up. Avoid dryness by covering the skillet with a lid. This traps steam and keeps the pasta moist. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent hot spots. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. For best flavor and texture, reheat on the stove. This keeps the pasta and sauce from getting mushy. Enjoy your delicious meal anytime! - Dairy Alternatives: You can use whole milk or half-and-half. They will make a lighter sauce. If you want more creaminess, try sour cream or cream cheese. - Non-Dairy Options: Coconut cream works well for a rich taste. Cashew cream is another great choice. Both will keep the sauce creamy without dairy. - Visual Cues: Cooked shrimp turn pink and opaque. They also curl into a C shape. If they remain gray or translucent, keep cooking them. - Cooking Times: It usually takes 2-3 minutes per side. For large shrimp, check after 4-6 minutes total cooking time. - Prepping in Advance: You can cook the shrimp and pasta ahead. Store them separately. Make the sauce right before serving for the best taste. - Best Storage Practices: Keep leftovers in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions to enjoy later. - Common Ingredients: Cajun seasoning often includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. You might also find thyme and oregano. - Making Your Own Blend: Mix equal parts of paprika and garlic powder. Add a pinch of cayenne and black pepper to taste. Adjust spices to fit your heat preference. We explored the ingredients and steps to create a delicious Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta. You learned how to cook fettuccine, prepare shrimp, and make a creamy sauce. We also shared tips for perfecting your dish and offered variations to suit your taste. Cajun Shrimp Alfredo is easy to love. You can impress your family and friends with it. Enjoy this dish any day of the week!$

A creamy and spicy pasta dish featuring shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 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 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup diced bell peppers (red and green)
0.25 cup chopped green onions
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and diced bell peppers. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked fettuccine and shrimp back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
Stir in chopped green onions and let everything heat through for another minute.
Plate the Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for an added pop of color.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and color.

Keyword alfredo, cajun, pasta, shrimp