Discover the ultimate Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe! This dish features succulent jumbo shrimp seasoned with a perfect blend of Creole spices, tossed with fettuccine noodles, and coated in a rich, Parmesan-infused cream sauce. It’s an easy, restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can create a delicious, comforting pasta dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fettuccine noodles, uncooked
- 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
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the fettuccine noodles according to the package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
- Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 tablespoons of Creole seasoning, turning the shrimp halfway to ensure even coating.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through. In the last 30 seconds, add the minced garlic and stir constantly. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if needed, cook the shrimp in batches, adding more butter as necessary. Remove the shrimp mixture from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Add the chicken broth to the skillet, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits. Cook until the broth is reduced by half. Lower the heat to low and add the heavy cream. Simmer, stirring often, until the cream is reduced by almost half.
- Finish the Sauce: Slowly whisk in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season to taste with additional Creole seasoning.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shrimp and shallot mixture to the skillet, along with the cooked fettuccine. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes:
- Timing: For best results, try to time the completion of the fettuccine to coincide with the shrimp and sauce.
- Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for superior flavor and melting.
- Shrimp: If possible, use wild-caught large shrimp (21-25 count). Avoid overcooking; shrimp need only about 1-1 1/2 minutes per side.
- Substitutions and Additions: Finely chopped onions can replace shallots if needed. For added color and flavor, consider including mushrooms, diced peppers, bell peppers, or asparagus.
- Consistency: If the pasta is too thick, thin it with a little reserved pasta water, adding 1-2 tablespoons at a time.
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