Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
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
6 servings
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Calories
366 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
Description
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta starts with large shrimp coated in Cajun seasoning and quickly sautéed in butter and olive oil until pink and cooked through. Separately, a smooth Alfredo sauce is prepared by simmering heavy cream with garlic powder and black pepper, then adding freshly grated Parmesan to thicken the sauce. This results in a luscious, cheesy base that carries the bold Cajun flavor.
Cooked linguine is combined with the shrimp and sauce, ensuring every strand is coated. The Cajun seasoning gives subtle heat and smoky notes without overpowering the creaminess of the dish. Green onions and parsley provide optional freshness and color. The pasta is best served immediately to enjoy the sauce’s richness and the shrimp’s tenderness.
The recipe advises reserving pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency if needed. The shrimp should be cooked just until opaque to maintain juiciness. Additional Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper can be added for more heat. Leftovers keep up to two days refrigerated but are best enjoyed fresh.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces linguine or your favorite shape of pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter unsalted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ pound Shrimp large or medium, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1 ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- ¼ cup green onion optional, sliced
- 2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley optional, chopped
- Cajun seasoning optional, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Place the shrimp in a medium bowl and toss with the Cajun seasoning.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the butter and the olive oil. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side or until it turns pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and reserve.
- Into the same skillet, add the heavy cream, garlic powder and ground black pepper. Stir and simmer on low heat for about 4-5 minutes. Add the Parmesan cheese and mix well until slightly thick. If the creamy sauce gets too thick, you can add additional heavy cream or some of the pasta water.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Mix gently with the sauce until well combined. If the dish looks a bit dry (and needs a bit more creaminess), you can add some of the reserved pasta water.
- Season to taste with additional Cajun seasoning and garnish with sliced green onions and parsley (optional). Serve immediately!
Notes
- Save some pasta cooking water before draining to adjust the sauce's thickness as needed.
- The dish has a mild spice; add more Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper if you prefer it spicier.
- Check shrimp doneness by ensuring they are no longer translucent inside.
- Heavy cream yields the richest sauce, but half & half or whole milk can be used for a lighter texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within two days for best quality.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 366 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 366kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 43g | 14% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 290mg | 97% |
| Sodium | 887mg | 37% |
| Potassium | 262mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 785IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 7.2mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 184mg | 18% |
| Iron | 3.5mg | 19% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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