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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo

Creamy Cajun shrimp Alfredo pairs fettuccine and Cajun-seasoned shrimp with a Parmesan cream sauce made in the same skillet. Reserved pasta water helps the sauce coat every strand.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 1010
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the pasta
  • 4 qt water
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 lb fettuccine
For the shrimp
  • 1 lb shrimp large, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Alfredo sauce
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1.5 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 0.25 cup pasta cooking water reserved
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 6-quart pot
  • 1 12-inch skillet

Method
 

Cook the pasta
  1. Bring the water and kosher salt to a boil in a 6-quart pot.
  2. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8 to 12 minutes.
  3. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta cooking water, then drain the fettuccine.
Cook the shrimp
  1. Pat the shrimp dry and toss with the Cajun seasoning.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook the shrimp in a single layer, working in batches if needed, for 1 to 2 minutes per side until opaque and 145°F.
  4. Transfer the shrimp to a plate.
Make the Alfredo sauce
  1. Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan and black pepper until the cheese melts.
Finish the dish
  1. Stir the reserved pasta water into the sauce.
  2. Add the drained fettuccine and cooked shrimp, and toss until evenly coated.

Notes

For tender shrimp, remove them from the skillet as soon as they are opaque and 145°F. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; freezing is not recommended because the cream sauce may separate. Gluten-free fettuccine can be used for a gluten-free variation.