Spicy Shrimp Alfredo 🍤🌶️🧄🧀 Creamy, Fiery, and Loaded With Garlic, Heat, and Cajun-Style Shrimp

This is Alfredo with attitude — plump, juicy shrimp tossed in Cajun or chili spice, folded into a silky Parmesan cream sauce that clings to fettuccine like it means it.

It’s rich, bold, and balanced by heat, garlic, and just enough acid to keep it alive. A serious weeknight upgrade that eats like restaurant pasta, fast.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the pasta

• 8 oz fettuccine, linguine, or penne
• Salted water for boiling
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

For the shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning or chili powder blend
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

For the Alfredo sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

To finish

• More Parmesan
• Chopped parsley or green onion
• Optional: drizzle of chili oil or squeeze of lemon

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the pasta
Cook pasta until al dente in salted water. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Sear the shrimp
Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Alfredo sauce
Lower heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan until smooth and melted.

Step 4: Combine and toss
Add drained pasta and reserved pasta water to the sauce. Toss until glossy and coated. Return shrimp to the pan. Toss again and season to taste. Add lemon juice if using.

Step 5: Serve hot
Plate with extra cheese, herbs, and chili oil or flakes for more fire.

Flavor Variations

• Add spinach, kale, or roasted red peppers for depth
• Swap Cajun for harissa or chipotle powder
• Use pecorino or smoked cheese for bite
• Add sun-dried tomatoes or a spoonful of pesto for contrast
• Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese for extra richness

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook the shrimp — sear hot and fast
• Grate Parmesan fresh — smoother melt, better flavor
• Pasta water is your secret weapon for consistency
• Taste before salting — Cajun seasoning and cheese bring plenty
• Add heat in layers: spice the shrimp, spice the sauce, finish with flakes

Final Thoughts

Spicy Shrimp Alfredo is rich, bold, and totally craveable — a creamy pasta with real punch and deep flavor. It’s everything you love about Alfredo, turned up with heat and briny, buttery shrimp.

Sear it hot. Swirl it thick. Let the fire do the talking. 🍤🌶️🧄🧀

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

Explore All Pasta Recipes – A complete noodle lover’s hub — creamy, meaty, veggie-packed, or refreshingly cold, these recipes have it all.

🧄 Classic & Comforting

• 🧄 Classic Pasta Recipes – Tried-and-true dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine, and timeless tomato-based favorites.
• 🍅 Simple Pasta Recipes – Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor — pasta perfection without the fuss.
• ⚡ Easy Pasta Recipes – Weeknight lifesavers that deliver rich flavor fast, with zero culinary stress.
• 🍽️ Pasta Dinner Recipes – Family-friendly pastas that satisfy any night of the week.

🧀 Sauce Styles

• 🥛 Creamy Pasta Recipes – Silky sauces made with cream, cheese, or both — pure comfort in a bowl.
• 🧈 Alfredo Pasta Recipes – Rich and buttery Alfredo sauce takes center stage in these indulgent dishes.
• 🥄 White Sauce Pasta Recipes – Mellow and smooth béchamel-based recipes that pair beautifully with chicken or veggies.
• 🍅 Red Sauce Pasta Recipes – Bright, bold tomato sauces — classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, and more.
• 🌿 Pesto Pasta Recipes – Herbaceous and vibrant, these green-sauced dishes are perfect for warm-weather meals.

🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
• 🐟 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Scallops, crab, salmon, or mixed shellfish in rich and zesty sauces.
• 🐄 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes – Comforting classics like bolognese, skillet meals, and one-pot beefy favorites.
• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.