Ingredients
Gathering the ingredients for this dish is straightforward, just the way I like it. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
For those nights when the pantry is looking a bit bare, you can substitute the shrimp with chicken or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. And if you’re out of heavy cream, a mix of milk and butter works in a pinch for that creamy texture.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the cooking process. Trust me, if I can manage this between school pickups and soccer practice, so can you!
- Start by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and remaining Cajun seasoning, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
It’s as simple as that! Keep an eye on the sauce; it should be creamy but not too thick. If it gets too thick, a splash of pasta water can bring it back to that perfect consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, recipe, cooking, food
