Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a flavorful fusion of spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp and creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce tossed with tender fettuccine noodles. This dish brings together the bold, smoky flavors of Louisiana-style cooking with the silky indulgence of Italian-inspired Alfredo — a true comfort food masterpiece that feels restaurant-worthy yet easy to make at home.

Every bite bursts with flavor — juicy shrimp coated in Cajun spices, buttery garlic sauce, and the luxurious creaminess of Parmesan-infused Alfredo. It’s a meal that’s both hearty and sophisticated, perfect for weeknight dinners or date nights.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta because it’s the perfect marriage of spice and creaminess. The Cajun seasoning gives the shrimp a beautiful kick that’s perfectly balanced by the smooth, rich Alfredo sauce. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy and quick to make — ready in under 30 minutes.

Another reason I adore this recipe is its restaurant-quality flavor. It tastes like something you’d order at a high-end seafood restaurant but made right in your own kitchen. The smell of Cajun spices sizzling in butter with garlic fills the house with irresistible warmth and comfort.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try for so many reasons:

• It’s creamy, spicy, and perfectly balanced — no flavor overpowers another.
• You can make it in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
• It uses simple, everyday ingredients but tastes incredibly gourmet.
• It’s crowd-pleasing — even picky eaters love it.
• You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking.

Whether you love seafood, crave something creamy, or want a bold and satisfying meal, this Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta delivers every single time.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approx. 590 kcal per serving

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Cajun / American Fusion

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional, for extra spice)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine pasta
• Salt (for boiling water)

For Garnish:

• Freshly chopped parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges (optional, for brightness)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the rest.
4. Set the cooked pasta aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
2. Toss them with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and slightly charred.
5. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. In the same skillet (don’t clean it — those browned bits add flavor!), add 2 tablespoons butter.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly.
4. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring often.
5. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
6. Stir until the sauce becomes thick, creamy, and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
2. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss everything together.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning (add more Cajun spice or salt if needed).

Step 5: Serve

1. Transfer the pasta to plates or bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
3. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh zing.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with garlic bread or buttered rolls.
• Pair with a light salad (like Caesar or Arugula Salad).
• A glass of chilled white wine (such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc) complements the dish perfectly.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh shrimp if possible — it gives the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp: They only need about 2 minutes per side.
• Grate your own Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Adjust spice level: Add more or less Cajun seasoning depending on your heat preference.
• Add pasta water gradually: It helps thin the sauce and makes it cling perfectly to the pasta.

Variations

1. Chicken Cajun Alfredo: Substitute shrimp with sliced chicken breast or thighs.
2. Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Alfredo: Add cooked and sliced andouille or smoked sausage for a meaty, flavorful twist.
3. Vegetable Cajun Alfredo: Add bell peppers, spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms.
4. Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and skip extra butter.
5. Extra Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a fiery kick.
6. Seafood Mix Alfredo: Combine shrimp with scallops or crab for a deluxe seafood pasta.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving shrimp for too long to prevent rubbery texture.
• Freezing: Not recommended — cream sauces can separate, and shrimp may become tough.
• Make-ahead tip: Cook the shrimp and pasta separately; make the sauce fresh before serving for best results.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or pasta fork
• Cheese grater (for fresh Parmesan)
• Cutting board and knife

Conclusion

Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a true celebration of flavor — the perfect harmony of spicy, creamy, and savory. It brings the best of Cajun heat and Italian comfort together in one irresistible dish. With tender shrimp, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this meal feels both luxurious and satisfying.

It’s a dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet special enough for guests. Every forkful delivers creamy indulgence with a kick of spice — the kind of recipe you’ll crave again and again.

So next time you want something bold, comforting, and downright delicious, make this Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings the taste of Louisiana to your kitchen!

Print Recipe

Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Author: Laura Bennett Cuisine: American Courses: Pasta

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 590 kcal per serving

Description

Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a flavorful fusion of spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp and creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce tossed with tender fettuccine noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g)
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional, for extra spice)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g)
• Salt (for boiling water)

For Garnish:

• Freshly chopped parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the rest. Set the cooked pasta aside.
2. Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp : Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss them with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and slightly charred. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside on a plate.
3. Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce : In the same skillet (don’t clean it — those browned bits add flavor!), add 2 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring often. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Stir until the sauce becomes thick, creamy, and smooth.
4. Step 4: Combine Everything : Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning (add more Cajun spice or salt if needed).
5. Step 5: Serve : Transfer the pasta to plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh zing.

Keywords: Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta