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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine

creamy cajun shrimp fettuccine - featured image
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A quick and easy 20-minute dinner featuring spicy, creamy Cajun-seasoned shrimp tossed with silky fettuccine in a rich cream sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine pasta, dried or fresh
  • 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (frozen is fine; thaw before cooking)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 10-12 minutes). Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) pasta water before draining.
  2. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and toss with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same pan. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine with garlic and browned bits. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired sauce consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Return shrimp to the pan, add drained fettuccine, and toss gently to coat pasta in the creamy Cajun sauce.
  8. Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley for brightness and color.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when searing shrimp to avoid steaming. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. Add pasta water or cream if sauce thickens too much. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melt and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp, creamy pasta, fettuccine, quick dinner, spicy shrimp, easy recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/creamy-cajun-shrimp-fettuccine-recipe-easy-20-minute-dinner-idea/