Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe
User Reviews
4.8
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
25 mins
-
Total Time
30 mins
-
Servings
4 servings
-
Calories
446 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
American
Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Description
This recipe begins by cooking fettuccine noodles and reserving some pasta water to refine sauce texture later. Shrimp are coated with Cajun seasoning and sautéed in butter and olive oil until opaque and tender, then kept warm. The same skillet is used to create a roux with butter, garlic, and flour, slowly whisking in milk and reserved pasta water to form a smooth, creamy base.
Grated Parmesan cheese is melted into the sauce along with salt for seasoning. The noodles and shrimp are combined with the sauce, tossed until everything is evenly coated. The Alfredo sauce offers rich, cheesy creaminess with the Cajun seasoning adding a warm spice that complements the shrimp. Garnishing with parsley adds freshness and a color contrast.
Perfect as a satisfying main course, this pasta pairs with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to three days but are not ideal for freezing. The recipe highlights the preference for freshly grated Parmesan cheese for optimal melting and suggests using half and half or heavy cream for a richer sauce texture.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Shrimp peeled and tails removed, patted dry with a paper towel, medium
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 4 tablespoons butter divided
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk (see note)
- 8 ounces fettuccine noodles
- 2 cups water reserved pasta water
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese see note, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- parsley fresh chopped
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine noodles according to package directions. Drain (*Reserve 2 cups pasta water*), toss with a bit of olive oil, and set aside.
- In a large skillet melt 1 tablespoon butter. Stir in 1 teaspoon olive oil.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle Cajun seasoning all over the shrimp, then stir for 4-7 minutes until shrimp is opaque.
- Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer shrimp to a dish and cover to keep warm.
- Without cleaning out the skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic for 1 minute til fragrant.
- Stir in flour for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, then reserved pasta water.
- Add parmesan cheese and salt and stir until parmesan is dissolved. Taste, add salt and pepper if needed.
- Add cooked fettuccine noodles to the skillet and return shrimp to the skillet. Give it a good toss.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and additional grated parmesan if desired, and serve.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for smoother melting and richer flavor; pre-shredded cheese contains additives that affect melting.
- Freshly grate Parmesan with a microplane or small-holed grater for best results.
- Choose milk with higher fat content like half and half or heavy cream for a richer Alfredo sauce; whole milk can be used but yields a lighter sauce.
- Store leftover pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; freezing is not recommended as it affects sauce texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 446 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 446kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 54g | 18% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 83mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 1045mg | 44% |
| Potassium | 405mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1336IU | 27% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 461mg | 46% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
You'll Also Love
