Every once in a while, a dish comes along that just hits all the right spots—like a catchy tune that gets stuck in your head, but in a delicious, edible form. This Easy Spicy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo is one of those meals.
You know, it’s got that creamy comfort paired with a fiery kick that makes your taste buds do a little dance. Speaking of which, did you catch the latest food trend on TikTok?
Well, this recipe is kind of like that—unexpected, a bit spicy, and absolutely irresistible.
Steps
- Cook the fettuccine noodles according to the instructions on the package. Drain the noodles, remembering to keep 2 cups of the pasta water, then lightly coat the noodles with olive oil and set them aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Place the shrimp in the skillet, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, and cook for 4-7 minutes until the shrimp turns opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet using tongs or a slotted spoon, place them in a dish, and cover to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat, then add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour, cooking for another minute, and then gradually whisk in the milk followed by the reserved pasta water to form a smooth roux.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and salt, stirring until the cheese dissolves completely. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Return the cooked fettuccine noodles and the shrimp to the skillet, tossing everything together until well-coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and tails removed, patted dry
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 8 ounces fettuccine noodles
- 2 cups reserved pasta water
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute other long noodles such as spaghetti or linguine if you don’t have fettuccine. The dish will still be delicious!
- Is it possible to use pre-shredded parmesan cheese?
- You can use pre-shredded parmesan cheese, but freshly grated parmesan is recommended. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.
- Can this dish be stored for leftovers?
- Absolutely, Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the sauce.
- What can I use as a substitute for shrimp?
- If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can substitute it with chicken. Just cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook it a bit longer until it’s fully cooked through.
- What type of milk is best for the sauce?
- Any type of milk can be used, but the higher the fat content, the richer and creamier your sauce will be. You can use whole milk, fat-free half-and-half, or even heavy cream for a more indulgent sauce.
Tips
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Make sure to save some of the pasta water when draining the fettuccine. This starchy water is crucial for achieving a creamy sauce, as it helps bind the ingredients together.
- Adjust the Milk for Creaminess: You can adjust the creaminess of your sauce by choosing milk with higher fat content. Using heavy cream will result in a richer sauce, while whole milk or fat-free half and half will also work well.
- Avoid Freezing Leftovers: While the dish can be stored in the refrigerator for about three days, it’s best not to freeze it. Freezing may alter the texture and quality of the creamy sauce.
Equipment
- Microplane Grater – For finely grating the parmesan cheese.
- Box Grater – If a microplane isn’t available, a box grater with a smaller hole size can be used.
- Large Skillet – Essential for cooking the shrimp and making the sauce.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon – Useful for transferring shrimp.