Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a fettuccine pasta with succulent sautéed shrimp in a delectable creamy creole seasoned homemade Alfredo sauce. This mouthwatering dish is easy enough for a weeknight meal yet elegant enough for company.
Bring a taste of Louisiana to your kitchen with this flavorful and authentic creamy Cajun shrimp pasta recipe. Easy to make and full of bold spices, this dish will leave you craving for seconds.
My daughter and I are huge shrimp fans, and this is one of our favorite dishes. When I walked into our local grocery store and saw jumbo gulf shrimp on sale, I knew exactly what I would cook. This pasta is easy enough for even the novice cook. It is scrumptious, and you can adjust the Cajun spice to your liking. If you like this recipe, try Cajun chicken, dirty rice, and Southern collard greens.
Frequently Asked Questions
To shell the shrimp, pull on the legs, and the shell will begin to peel away. Now, take a small pairing knife and make a shallow cut down the center of the back to the top edge of the tail area. To remove the black intestine, run the cool water over the back of the shrimp and rub it so the vein will come out easily.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at no more than 50% power for short intervals until warm.
I do not recommend freezing this dish. The sauce will likely separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, add a little fresh cream and heat over low, stirring frequently to try to reincorporate the fat.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Shrimp: If possible, use wild-caught large shrimp. I like to use 21-25-count shrimp. Don’t overcook them. They only need about 1-1 1/2 minutes on each side. They will be added back to the pan in the recipe’s final step.
- Creole seasoning: I prefer creole seasoning, but Cajun seasoning will work in a pinch for this recipe. Homemade creole seasoning is so flavorful.
- Butter: You can use unsalted or salted butter.
- Shallots: Finely chopped onions can be substituted for the shallots if needed.
- Chicken broth: Preferably low-sodium chicken broth so you can control the amount of salt.
- Heavy cream: You can substitute whipping cream if needed.
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of the stuff in the canister, as it has more flavor and melts better.
- Fresh herbs: Use chopped fresh parsley or thyme
Preparation Tips and Storage
- For best results, time the completion of the cooked fettuccine to coincide with the shrimp and sauce.
- For more color and flavor, consider adding mushrooms, diced peppers, bell peppers, or asparagus.
- If the pasta is too thick, thin it with a bit of reserved pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time.
Serving Suggestions for Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Vegetables: roasted broccoli, sautéed asparagus, roasted onions, or sautéed zucchini
- Bread or rolls: Dutch oven bread, corn muffins, or hushpuppies
- Salad: wedge salad, arugula salad, or garden salad
More Shrimp Recipes
Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounce uncooked fettuccine noodles
- 1 lb jumbo gulf shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2-3 tablespoons creole seasoning blend
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 shallots thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1¼ cups heavy cream
- ⅔ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package instructions and drain well.
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and sprinkle them with 1 1/2 tablespoons creole seasoning turning halfway through.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add shallots and cook for 5 minutes. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through. Add the garlic to the skillet with the shrimp in the last 30 seconds of cooking and stir constantly. Do not crowd the pan with shrimp. If necessary, plate the shallots, shrimp, and garlic, then add a little butter to the skillet and cook the remaining shrimp. Remove mixture to a plate and set aside.
- Add the chicken broth to the skillet and cook to reduce by half while scraping the bottom of the skillet to remove any brown bits. Reduce the heat to low, add the cream, and simmer to reduce by almost half, stirring often.
- Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese. Season to taste with creole seasoning. Add the shrimp and shallot mixture back to the pan with the sauce. Add the cooked fettuccine noodles back to the pan and toss to coat. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- For best results, time the completion of the cooked fettuccine to coincide with the shrimp and sauce.
- For more color and flavor, consider adding mushrooms, diced peppers, bell peppers, or asparagus.
- If the pasta is too thick, thin it with a bit of reserved pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time.
Nutrition
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Tiffany
This looks amazing! I’ll probably amp up the seasoning because I nearly always want the extra oomph, but I’m excited to try it. We’ve been craving cajun and shrimp around here.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Tiffany! Enjoy!
Karen
I’ve had Cajun shrimps before and loved it so much…But when you add to to pasta, it turns into something soooooo good, so good…Amazing recipe, thank you so much.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Karen!
Tammy
I love Cajun Shrimp but never thought about putting it with pasta. This was so good
Tracy
I love this so much, and the best part about seeing it now is that I already have all the necessary ingredients for it.
Beth Pierce
Thanks! Enjoy, Tracy.
KD
Oh my goodness this was fast easy and delicious. I had to double the recipe for my family of 6 and only thing left is 1 small bowl. I will definitely be making this again.
Beth Pierce
That is awesome, KD! So glad that the family liked the pasta!
Michael Rubino
I followed this recipe to the letter (except for an increase in garlic!) Let me tell you, it was quick, simple, and so full of flavor. I can’t wait to get to my leftovers tonight! Another winner of a recipe from the Small Town Woman!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much, Michael! I am so happy that you like my recipes!
Sidney L
This was such a quick and easy recipe that did not disappoint! Shrimp turned out perfectly tender, pink and delicious; my whole family loved it!
Sashi
We love this cajun shrimp pasta. I made this for my family and they enjoyed it so much. So creamy and rich in flavor.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sashi! So glad that you liked it!
Kiara
Great pasta recipe with so much flavor. It is a new family favorite. Even my picky toddler enjoyed it. Thanks alot for sharing.
Char
I have been looking for a perfect recipe for a shrimp, and luckily I found this. It was easy to make and so flavorful! thanks
Shelby P
This shrimp pasta is such an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that everyone loves!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Shelby! So happy that everyone liked the pasta.