Cajun Shrimp with Tomato Alfredo Pasta
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
656 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
Cajun Shrimp with Tomato Alfredo Pasta
Description
Cajun Shrimp with Tomato Alfredo Pasta brings together succulent shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices and a rich, creamy tomato sauce served over fettuccine. The shrimp are cooked briefly in olive oil to preserve tenderness and coated with Cajun seasoning for a peppery kick. The sauce is initiated by sautéing onions and garlic slowly in a butter and olive oil mix to avoid burning, then simmering crushed tomatoes to deepen flavor. Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a smooth, velvety tomato alfredo sauce that coats the pasta evenly. Fresh basil adds a final touch of freshness.
The dish balances a creamy and mildly spicy flavor profile, combined with the delicate texture of the shrimp and al dente pasta. The use of both butter and olive oil prevents the butter from burning and delivers a gentle, rounded base for the sauce. This pasta is suited for a hearty meal where the creamy tomato sauce complements the seasoned seafood well.
Salting pasta water adequately is important for seasoning the noodles from within, while cooking shrimp just until pink prevents toughness. The recipe allows flexibility by substituting the shrimp with sausage or ground beef if preferred. Additionally, lighter cream can be used to reduce richness without greatly altering the overall character.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta uncooked, such as fettuccine
- 12 ounces Shrimp uncooked, shells removed, large
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 15 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 can)
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 ounce Parmesan Cheese grated
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 3 leaves basil chopped for garnish, fresh
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the shrimp with the cajun seasoning. In a large skillet heat 1 tbsp of the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the shrimp and cook on both sides until pink, it shouldn't take more than a couple minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter to the skillet and heat until butter melts over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, then cook for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, bring to a simmer then turn down the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, and cook for another 5 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet and toss everything well together.
- Garnish with fresh basil and more Parmesan cheese if preferred, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Salt pasta cooking water generously to season the noodles effectively.
- Combine olive oil with butter to prevent butter solids from burning during cooking.
- Cook onions and garlic on medium heat to avoid browning while softening them.
- To reduce calories, substitute heavy cream with half and half or light cream.
- Shrimp can be replaced with sausage or ground beef for variation in protein.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 656 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 656kcal | 33% |
| Carbohydrates | 76g | 25% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 32g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 70mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 419mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 626mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 1998IU | 40% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 181mg | 18% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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