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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Thoroughly coat raw shrimp with Cajun seasoning in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of spices across each piece.
- 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.
- In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter and introduce minced garlic. Sauté quickly for approximately 60 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors without browning.
- 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.
- Introduce drained fettuccine into the creamy sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating of the pasta.
- Reintegrate cooked shrimp into the pasta, carefully folding them into the sauce to maintain their delicate texture and distribute spicy flavors throughout the dish.
- 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