Zesty Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe for Pasta Lovers

My weeknight dinner game completely changed when I discovered this irresistible cajun shrimp fettuccine alfredo that combines spicy and creamy flavors.

Seafood lovers will appreciate the bold kick from cajun seasoning matched with silky pasta.

Perfectly seared shrimp dance across a velvety sauce, creating a restaurant-quality meal in less than thirty minutes.

Each bite promises a delightful balance between heat and richness that makes taste buds sing.

Home cooks can easily master this impressive dish without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Confidence grows with every creamy, spicy forkful of this crowd-pleasing pasta.

We bet you’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation.

Ingredients Needed For Spicy Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

• Fettuccine Pasta: A classic Italian pasta that provides the perfect base for this creamy and spicy dish.
• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that brings a delightful protein and oceanic flavor to the recipe.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that creates the signature creamy texture of Alfredo sauce.

• Cajun Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices that add depth and heat to the shrimp and overall dish.
• Garlic: A aromatic ingredient that provides a rich and intense flavor to the sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Unsalted Butter: Dairy ingredients that create the luxurious and smooth Alfredo sauce base.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté the shrimp and adds a subtle background flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: A vibrant herb that adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note to the finished dish.

How To Prepare Spicy Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring water to a rolling boil. Drop the fettuccine into the water and cook until tender. Once done, drain the pasta and set aside in a colander.

Step 2: Prepare Shrimp

Grab your peeled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning generously over the shrimp. Toss and massage the seasoning into the shrimp until every piece is coated with zesty spices.

Step 3: Sear Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the seasoned shrimp into the hot pan. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until they transform into a beautiful pink color and look perfectly opaque. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 4: Create Garlic Base

In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté quickly. Watch carefully to prevent burning, aiming for a fragrant and golden appearance.

Step 5: Whip Up Alfredo Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet with garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes silky smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 6: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Slide the drained fettuccine into the creamy sauce. Gently toss and coat each pasta strand with the luxurious Alfredo mixture.

Step 7: Reunite Shrimp with Pasta

Return the seared shrimp to the skillet. Fold them gently into the pasta, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the steaming Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo to serving plates. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite.

Tips For Cooking Spicy Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

• Boost Pasta Perfection: Select high-quality fettuccine for best texture and flavor absorption.
• Manage Spice Levels: Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity to control heat intensity based on personal preference.
• Prevent Overcooked Shrimp: Watch cooking time carefully to keep shrimp tender and juicy, removing them immediately when they turn pink.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk Parmesan cheese slowly and steadily to create smooth, lump-free Alfredo sauce without separation.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a splash of white wine while sautéing garlic for an extra layer of complexity and richness.

Bold Twists On Spicy Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

• Vegetarian Alfredo Swap: Replace shrimp with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted cauliflower florets for a hearty plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free fettuccine pasta and ensure Cajun seasoning is certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute fettuccine with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, carbohydrate-reduced version of the dish.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce without dairy products.

What Goes With Spicy Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy Alfredo sauce and complement the spicy Cajun shrimp.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta and provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy seafood.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted garlic bread on the side to soak up the creamy sauce and add a crunchy texture that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Enhance with Crisp Chardonnay: Choose an unoaked Chardonnay with bright citrus notes to harmonize with the shrimp's spiciness and the sauce's creamy texture.

How To Save Spicy Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe For Later

• Store leftovers in a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is shallow to help cool food quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Reheat pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore moisture. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and ensure even heating, which helps maintain the sauce's creamy texture.

FAQs For Spicy Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

• Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?

Cajun seasoning has a moderate heat level with a blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and other spices. You can adjust the spiciness by using less seasoning or choosing a mild blend.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them completely, pat dry with paper towels, and ensure they’re well-drained before seasoning to prevent excess moisture.

• What type of Parmesan cheese works best?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block melts more smoothly and provides a richer flavor compared to pre-packaged grated cheese. Avoid using powdered Parmesan for the best sauce texture.

What Makes Spicy Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe So Tasty

• Spice Up Your Meal: Packed with bold Cajun seasoning, this recipe transforms a classic pasta dish into a thrilling culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and add excitement to your dinner routine.
• Quick and Satisfying Dinner Solution: Perfect for busy home cooks, this one-skillet wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques, making it an ideal weeknight meal that comes together in minutes.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Fusion: Creamy Alfredo sauce meets zesty Cajun shrimp, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both adventurous and picky eaters, ensuring everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.
• Restaurant-Worthy Meal at Home: Impress your family and guests with a restaurant-caliber dish that looks and tastes sophisticated, yet requires minimal cooking skills and everyday ingredients.

Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun shrimp fettuccine alfredo brings Louisiana’s bold flavors to your pasta night, blending creamy sauce with zesty seafood. Creamy, peppery, and quick to prepare, this dish promises restaurant-quality comfort you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine pasta

Proteins and Seasonings:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot with salted water, bringing it to a rolling boil at high heat. Submerge fettuccine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain pasta thoroughly and reserve.
2. Thoroughly coat raw shrimp with Cajun seasoning in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of spices across each piece.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Sear seasoned shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a vibrant pink color and become translucent. Remove shrimp and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter and introduce minced garlic. Sauté quickly for approximately 60 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors without browning.
5. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until sauce reaches a smooth, velvety consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Introduce drained fettuccine into the creamy sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating of the pasta.
7. Reintegrate cooked shrimp into the pasta, carefully folding them into the sauce to maintain their delicate texture and distribute spicy flavors throughout the dish.
8. Transfer the completed dish to serving plates, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot for optimal taste and presentation.

Notes

• Swap out regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.
• Control spice levels by adjusting Cajun seasoning quantity, making the dish milder or more intense based on personal preference.
• Consider using lighter cream options like half-and-half or milk to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining a creamy texture.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced meal with added color and nutrients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg