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5.0 from 129 votes

Cajun Shrimp Alfredo

This Cajun Shrimp Alfredo combines the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with the bold flavors of cajun seasoning and succulent shrimp to create an impressive dish. It's a spicy twist on a classic pasta dish. The shrimp are cooked with butter, garlic, and cajun seasoning before being tossed with green chili and cilantro. Once the creamy, cheesy penne alfredo is cooked, pop the spicy shrimp on top, and dinner is ready. Serve it with a quick salad for a delicious meal.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 608 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian , American

Ingredients

For the pasta
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 12 oz dried pasta
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion , very finely chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan (see note 1)
  • salt and pepper
For the shrimp
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • 3 tablespoon butter
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper , optional (see note 2)
  • 1 lb raw shrimp , shelled and deveined (see note 3)
  • 2 tablespoon water
For garnish
  • green onion , chopped
  • fresh cilantro leaves
  • red chili , sliced
  • Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

To cook the Alfredo
    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring a large pan of water to a boil. Add the salt and the pasta and cook for 1 minute less than the packet suggests. When cooked, reserve 2 cups of the pasta cooking water and drain.1 tablespoon salt12 oz dried pasta
  2. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.4 tablespoons butter
  3. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.1 small onion
  4. Add the cream and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 4 minutes or until the pasta is cooked.1 cup heavy cream
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat and slowly stir in the grated parmesan. Add salt and pepper to taste.1 cup freshly grated parmesan salt and pepper
  6. Add the drained pasta and ¼ cup of the pasta water. Toss gently so the pasta is coated in the sauce. Keep turning the pasta in the sauce until it is fully cooked. Add more pasta water as needed.
To cook the shrimp
  1. Place a heavy skillet over low heat. Add the minced garlic, butter, and salt.2 cloves garlic3 tablespoon butter¼ teaspoon salt
  2. Once the butter has melted, add in the cajun seasoning, brown sugar, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning1 teaspoon brown sugar1 teaspoon paprika¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  3. Stir together, and once sizzling, add in the raw shrimp, stirring to coat in the seasoned butter.1 lb raw shrimp
  4. Cook the shrimp for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until just cooked through.
  5. Add the water to the pan and mix well to release anything from the bottom of the pan.2 tablespoon water
  6. Remove from the heat and serve on top of your creamy pasta.
  7. Garnish with green onion, fresh coriander, chopped chili or parmesan as desired. green onion fresh cilantro leaves red chili parmesan cheese

Notes

  • You want to buy a block of parmesan for this recipe and grate/shred it yourself. Pre-grated cheese will leave you with a grainy sauce.
  • Cayenne pepper gives this recipe a mild kick. If you like it spicy, you can increase the amount to taste. Or leave it out entirely if your cajun seasoning is spicy or you want a mild dish.
  • I like to use Large or Medium Large shrimp for this recipe. By the count, this is 31/25 count shrimp or 36/40 count shrimp.

Nutrition Information

Calories 608kcal (30%) Carbohydrates 73g (24%) Protein 39g (78%) Fat 52g (80%) Saturated Fat 31g (155%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g Monounsaturated Fat 13g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 282mg (94%) Sodium 751mg (31%) Potassium 547mg (16%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 3963IU (79%) Vitamin C 3mg (3%) Calcium 446mg (45%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 608

% Daily Value*

Calories 608kcal 30%
Carbohydrates 73g 24%
Protein 39g 78%
Fat 52g 80%
Saturated Fat 31g 155%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Monounsaturated Fat 13g 65%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 282mg 94%
Sodium 751mg 31%
Potassium 547mg 12%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 7g 14%
Vitamin A 3963IU 79%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 446mg 45%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.