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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta: Easy 30-Minute Dinner

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This creamy Cajun shrimp alfredo pasta is a quick and easy 30-minute dinner that combines smoky, spicy flavors with a velvety sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but asks very little of you.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • Salt for pasta water
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss shrimp with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Let it melt, scraping up browned bits. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Slowly pour in 2 cups heavy cream while stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (if using).
  6. Remove skillet from heat and gradually stir in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Add drained fettuccine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat. Add cooked shrimp and gently fold through.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

For best results, season shrimp separately from the sauce to maintain balance. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Avoid overcooking shrimp; they are done when pink and curled into a loose C shape. For dairy-free, use full-fat coconut cream and dairy-free butter and Parmesan. For gluten-free, use gluten-free fettuccine and certified gluten-free Cajun seasoning.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp alfredo, creamy pasta, 30-minute dinner, shrimp pasta, easy weeknight dinner

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