By This Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.
Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta captures the essence of drinks while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
For the Cajun Shrimp:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Juice of half a lemon
For the Alfredo Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
12 oz fettuccine or your preferred pasta
Salt for pasta water
PREPARATION STEPS
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes.
Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water for later.
2. Prepare the Cajun Shrimp:
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Squeeze half a lemon over the shrimp for added flavor.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg (if using). If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Combine the Pasta and Shrimp:
Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Gently stir in the Cajun shrimp, making sure they are well incorporated into the pasta.
5. Serve:
Serve the Cajun shrimp Alfredo pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips:
Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely.
Add Veggies: You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Make It Spicy: If you love heat, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.
Enjoy!
This Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is creamy, spicy, and absolutely delicious! The rich Alfredo sauce complements the flavorful Cajun shrimp, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 10 min | Servings: 2 | Calories: ~150 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Breakfast pastries; Light snacks; Fruit salad
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
