Go Back
+ servings
Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with a Zesty Lemon Twist

A quick and delicious Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with a zesty lemon twist, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Fettuccine Feel free to substitute with your favorite type of pasta
For the Shrimp
  • 1.5 lb Shrimp Jumbo or large, peeled and deveined
For the Seasoning
  • 2 tsp Cajun Seasoning Brands like Old Bay or Tony Chachere's work well
  • 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper Optional
  • 2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 2 tsp Smoked Paprika
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Cooking Oil Use grapeseed, olive, or avocado oil
  • 4 tbsp Butter Unsalted
  • 2 tbsp Garlic Minced
  • 1 tbsp Flour
For the Creamy Base
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Low-sodium can be used
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated
For Garnishing
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley Chopped
  • Salt To taste
  • Pepper To taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine your peeled and deveined shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning. Mix until shrimp are thoroughly coated. Set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine, cooking until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
  3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat cooking oil and butter. Once hot, add the shrimp, cooking for about 3 minutes on each side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Lower heat and add remaining butter to the skillet. Whisk in flour, stirring for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth roux.
  5. Gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking. Simmer gently, then add lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and Cajun seasoning to taste.
  6. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Mix in Parmesan cheese and parsley and let simmer for another 5 minutes.
  7. Add drained fettuccine to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with the sauce. Add the seared shrimp, folding them into the dish. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
  8. Plate the Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, garnishing with additional parsley and Cajun seasoning if desired. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Using fresh garlic and lemon enhances the dish's flavor. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to maintain tenderness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!