Spicy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo 🍤🔥 Creamy, Fiery, and Loaded With Southern Flavor in Every Bite

This is indulgence with swagger — a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce punched up with Cajun heat, wrapped around pasta, and piled high with seared shrimp. It’s smoky, spicy, buttery, and creamy all at once — the comfort of Alfredo with the soul of the South.

Think of it as fettuccine Alfredo that got invited to Mardi Gras — and didn’t come back the same.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• Salt, to taste (depends on your Cajun blend)
• Optional: squeeze of lemon

For the pasta and sauce:

• 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: ¼–½ cup pasta water (reserved)

To finish:

• Chopped parsley or scallions
• Extra Cajun seasoning for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Shrimp

Toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of salt.
Sear in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked through. Remove and set aside. Squeeze lemon over the top if desired.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Whisk in Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and chili flakes. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 4: Combine

Toss cooked pasta into the sauce. Add pasta water as needed to loosen. Stir until glossy and well-coated. Fold in half the shrimp or reserve all for topping.

Step 5: Plate and Finish

Top each plate with the rest of the shrimp. Garnish with parsley or scallions and a light Cajun dusting for visual flair. Serve hot.

Flavor Variations

• Extra heat: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce
• Cheesy twist: Mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for meltier depth
• Smoky version: Use andouille sausage alongside or in place of shrimp
• Lightened up: Sub half-and-half or whole milk + cornstarch (1 tsp)

Pro Tips

• Use fresh shrimp if possible — the texture holds up better in creamy sauces
• Sear shrimp quickly — overcooking turns them rubbery
• Don’t skip the lemon finish — it cuts the richness and brightens the whole plate
• Pasta water = sauce insurance. Add just enough for a silky finish
• Cajun seasoning blends vary in saltiness — always taste before salting

Final Thoughts

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo hits the sweet spot between fiery and indulgent — the kind of pasta that warms your chest and sticks to your fork. It’s luxurious without being uptight, and loaded with flavor that doesn’t hold back.

Sear the shrimp. Spice the cream. Let it heat and hug the noodles. 🍤🔥🍝💥

🦐 More Coastal Seafood Recipes

From cozy casseroles to zesty grilled fish and elegant seafood pastas, this collection of Seafood Recipes covers every ocean-inspired craving — whether you’re planning a dinner party or a quick weeknight win.

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• 🦞 Seafood Casseroles – Bubbly, Buttery & Oven-Ready. Comfort food meets coastal flavor.
• 🥣 Flavorful Seafood Soups – Rich chowders, bisques, and broth-based favorites.
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• 🍚 Risotto Recipes with Seafood – Creamy, silky rice dishes meet the richness of the sea.
• 🌊 Seafood Stews – Mediterranean, Latin to classic American, hearty stews with satisfying depth in your bowl.
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