Cajun Shrimp Alfredo, an easy dinner recipe loaded with the best homemade Alfredo sauce, peppers, onions, and shrimp. Use your favorite pasta such as penne, linguine, or fettuccine for a simple and tasty meal.
Move over Fettuccine Alfredo, and hello Cajun Shrimp Alfredo! Although I do love Fettuccine Alfredo (ummm, who doesn’t?), this cajun shrimp and pasta with an easy Cajun Alfredo Sauce, kicks it up a notch or two and it’s easy to make. Simple and quick enough for a weeknight dinner, and it can easily be adapted with your favorite protein, pasta, and vegetables. A tasty dinner that’s a winner!
Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp Alfredo
- Pasta
- Onion
- Bell Pepper
- Shrimp
- Butter
- Garlic
- Heavy Cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Cajun seasoning
You can use your favorite pasta, vegetables, and/or protein!
How to Make Cajun Shrimp Alfredo
- Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook pasta according to box directions for al dente.
- Meanwhile, cook onion, pepper, and shrimp in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes or until vegetables are soft and shrimp is pink and cooked through. Set aside.
- Place a large pot over medium heat. Melt butter, then stir in minced garlic cloves. Cook about 1 minute or until garlic is soft and fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add the heavy cream to the saucepan, whisk until cream comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 3-5 minutes or until it starts to thicken.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning until smooth and thick. Add more Cajun seasoning as desired. Stir in onions, peppers, shrimp, and drained cooked pasta.
(Full printable recipe card is at bottom of post.)
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Use a hearty, larger shaped pasta like penne.
- Use any size shrimp you’d like but depending on the size of the shrimp and pasta, you may want to chop it. Be sure to remove the shells and vein from the shrimp.
- Use good quality Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself. It will melt a lot better.
- Get your pot of water boiling before you start your sauce. Once your sauce is almost done then cook your pasta so that your pasta isn’t waiting for your sauce to be done.
- Chop your protein and vegetables into smaller pieces if you’re in a hurry so they will cook faster. You can use precooked meat and/or vegetables for an even quicker dinner. Great way to use up leftovers!
Cajun Shrimp Alfredo FAQ:
Can I use something other than shrimp?
YES! You can use your favorite protein such as chicken (see this Cajun Chicken Alfredo), other fish/seafood, or omit for a vegetarian version. Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a great alternative! Be sure your protein is cooked through before mixing with the pasta and sauce. Leftover precooked meat and vegetables are also a great option.
Can I use different vegetables?
YES! You can use your favorite veggies such as mushrooms, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, tomato, or whatever you’d like. Be sure the vegetables are cooked before adding to the sauce and pasta.
How spicy is this pasta dish?
A lot will depend on the type of Cajun seasoning you use. Different brands vary a lot. I’d suggest using just a little Cajun seasoning at first then mix in more as needed. If you want your pasta extra spicy you can add a little hot sauce or even ground cayenne pepper.
My sauce wasn’t thick, what did I do wrong?
The sauce should be thick and creamy. Substituting lower fat or lower quality cheese or cream may result in a thinner sauce. For best results use a high fat and good quality Parmesan and heavy cream. If it’s too late, you can try adding a thickener like a little cornstarch with water to the sauce over the heat and cook until the sauce thickens.
What do you eat with shrimp alfredo?
This is a fairly heavy dish so I’d suggest serving with a simple salad or green vegetables.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy:
- Mediterranean Feta & Shrimp Pasta – Another great shrimp pasta dish!
- Champagne Chicken & Mushroom Pasta – an oldie but goodie with champagne, mushrooms, chicken, and pasta.
- Smoked Salmon Spaghetti – If salmon is more your thing, check this one out.
Hope you enjoy this delicious Cajun Shrimp Alfredo dish!
Serve up this pasta with some delicious Garlic Cheddar Drop Biscuits, and a simple salad or some Italian Green Beans!
Cajun Shrimp Alfredo
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound penne (or your favorite pasta)
- 1/2 cup onion chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper chopped
- 1 pound shrimp shells removed, deveined, & chopped if desired
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2-3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook pasta according to box directions for al dente.
- Meanwhile, cook onion, pepper, and shrimp in large nonstick skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes or until vegetables are soft and shrimp is pink and cooked through. Set aside.
- Place a large pot over medium heat. Melt butter, then stir in minced garlic cloves. Cook about 1 minute or until garlic is soft and fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add the heavy cream to the saucepan, whisk until cream comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 3-5 minutes or until it starts to thicken.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning until smooth and thick. Add more Cajun seasoning as desired. Stir in onions, peppers, shrimp, and drained cooked pasta.
Notes
Nutrition:
(Nutrition data is provided when available for informational purposes only and calculated using an online nutritional calculator. For the most accurate information please calculate based on specific ingredients and brands you use as well as any changes you made to the recipe. I am not a certified nutritionist or registered dietician and any nutritional information provided should only be used as a general guideline and estimate.)
About Lisa Huff
Lisa Huff is a Cookbook Author, Freelance Recipe Developer, Food Photographer, Blogger/Writer, and award-winning home chef. She loves creating unique recipes from healthy to decadent including cocktails, appetizers, main dishes, dessert recipes and more and has appeared on various shows, publications, and websites.
Shrimps awesome. My kids to relish this amazing dinner platter.
I love Cajun anything and everything! And this pasta is perfect spiced this way. I’m making some fresh salmon tonight, and would love to use some of it for this dish instead of shrimp – although I’m sure it’s fabulous with shrimp too!
oh this recipe is calling to me! I love cajun spice and can’t wait to try this recipe!
The perfect dinner!!! I love this recipe so much, the shrimp is a great addition
What is about shrimp that goes SO well with cajun flavors? This looks fantastic and so delicious for an easy meal.