Fiery Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Can Sub Chicken
Turn up the heat with this irresistibly creamy Fiery Cajun Shrimp Alfredo—an indulgent pasta dish that’s full of bold flavors and rich textures. Perfectly cooked fettuccine is smothered in a luscious garlic-Parmesan Alfredo sauce, given a zesty kick with Cajun seasoning, and topped with tender, seared shrimp (or juicy chicken as an alternative). This one-pan masterpiece strikes the perfect balance of creamy comfort and spicy flair, with optional garnishes like smoky paprika and fresh parsley for a show-stopping finish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is a must-try for pasta lovers craving a flavorful twist on a classic Alfredo. Whether you stick with shrimp or opt for chicken, this recipe guarantees a restaurant-quality meal right from your kitchen!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp (large, peeled and deveined)
- 1 lb Chicken breast (optional, diced into bite-sized pieces)
- 12 oz Fettuccine pasta
- 6 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 2 cups Heavy cream
- 1.5 cups Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 2.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine per the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water for later use.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp or diced chicken and season with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side (for shrimp) or until cooked through (for chicken). Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add 4 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Reduce the heat to low and carefully stir in the heavy cream. Once warmed through (about 2 minutes), add the Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.
Season the Alfredo sauce with 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Return the cooked shrimp or chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss until evenly combined with the sauce and protein.
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small pan, drizzle over the pasta for extra indulgence, and sprinkle with paprika if desired.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1397 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 80.7 g | 104% | |
| Saturated Fat | 44.2 g | 221% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 530 mg | 177% | |
| Sodium | 1585 mg | 69% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 69.1 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.0 g | ||
| Protein | 87.8 g | 176% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 601 mg | 46% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 672 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
