This Cajun Shrimp Alfredo combines the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with the bold flavors of cajun seasoning and succulent shrimp to create an impressive dish. It's a spicy twist on a classic pasta dish. The shrimp are cooked with butter, garlic, and cajun seasoning before being tossed with green chili and cilantro. Once the creamy, cheesy penne alfredo is cooked, pop the spicy shrimp on top, and dinner is ready. Serve it with a quick salad for a delicious meal.
Bring a large pan of water to a boil. Add the salt and the pasta and cook for 1 minute less than the packet suggests. When cooked, reserve 2 cups of the pasta cooking water and drain.1 tablespoon salt12 oz dried pasta
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.4 tablespoons butter
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.1 small onion
Add the cream and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 4 minutes or until the pasta is cooked.1 cup heavy cream
Remove the skillet from the heat and slowly stir in the grated parmesan. Add salt and pepper to taste.1 cup freshly grated parmesan salt and pepper
Add the drained pasta and ¼ cup of the pasta water. Toss gently so the pasta is coated in the sauce. Keep turning the pasta in the sauce until it is fully cooked. Add more pasta water as needed.
To cook the shrimp
Place a heavy skillet over low heat. Add the minced garlic, butter, and salt.2 cloves garlic3 tablespoon butter¼ teaspoon salt
Once the butter has melted, add in the cajun seasoning, brown sugar, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning1 teaspoon brown sugar1 teaspoon paprika¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Stir together, and once sizzling, add in the raw shrimp, stirring to coat in the seasoned butter.1 lb raw shrimp
Cook the shrimp for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until just cooked through.
Add the water to the pan and mix well to release anything from the bottom of the pan.2 tablespoon water
Remove from the heat and serve on top of your creamy pasta.
Garnish with green onion, fresh coriander, chopped chili or parmesan as desired. green onion fresh cilantro leaves red chili parmesan cheese
Notes
You want to buy a block of parmesan for this recipe and grate/shred it yourself. Pre-grated cheese will leave you with a grainy sauce.
Cayenne pepper gives this recipe a mild kick. If you like it spicy, you can increase the amount to taste. Or leave it out entirely if your cajun seasoning is spicy or you want a mild dish.
I like to use Large or Medium Large shrimp for this recipe. By the count, this is 31/25 count shrimp or 36/40 count shrimp.