Cajun Shrimp Alfredo
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
608 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Cajun Shrimp Alfredo
Description
The recipe starts with cooking pasta until nearly done, then creating an Alfredo sauce by sautéing finely chopped onion in butter, adding heavy cream, and simmering until slightly thickened. Freshly grated Parmesan is stirred in off heat to ensure smoothness, with salt and pepper added. The pasta is tossed in the sauce with reserved cooking water to achieve the right consistency.
Shrimp are cooked separately over low heat with garlic, butter, and a seasoning mix of Cajun spices including paprika, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper for optional heat. The butter helps carry the spices and garlic flavor.
Serving includes garnishing with fresh green onion, cilantro leaves, red chili slices, and additional Parmesan. The dish offers tender pasta enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce balanced by the spiced shrimp that add warmth and flavor depth. The creamy sauce and spiced protein harmonize, adding complexity to an Alfredo base.
Using freshly grated Parmesan avoids graininess in the sauce. Cayenne can be adjusted or omitted depending on heat preference. Medium-large shrimp are recommended for texture and presentation.
Ingredients
For the pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 12 oz dried pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion very finely chopped, small
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese see note 1, freshly grated
- salt
- black 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 Shrimp shelled and deveined (see note 3, raw
- 2 tablespoon water
For garnish
- green onion , chopped
- cilantro fresh leaves
- red chili , sliced
- Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
To cook the Alfredo
- 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
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.4 tablespoons butter
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.1 small onion
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Place a heavy skillet over low heat. Add the minced garlic, butter, and salt.2 cloves garlic3 tablespoon butter¼ teaspoon salt
- 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
- Stir together, and once sizzling, add in the raw shrimp, stirring to coat in the seasoned butter.1 lb raw shrimp
- Cook the shrimp for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until just cooked through.
- Add the water to the pan and mix well to release anything from the bottom of the pan.2 tablespoon water
- Remove from the heat and serve on top of your creamy pasta.
- Garnish with green onion, fresh coriander, chopped chili or parmesan as desired. green onion fresh cilantro leaves red chili parmesan cheese
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smooth, creamy sauce; pre-grated cheese may cause graininess.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control spiciness; omit or increase to taste.
- Medium or large shrimp sizes provide optimal texture and visual appeal in this dish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 608 kcal
% 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.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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