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Blackened Shrimp Alfredo is a bold and creamy pasta dish that combines spicy, smoky shrimp with a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. This Creamy Cajun Pasta is served over fettuccine or your pasta of choice, delivering a restaurant-quality recipe that comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love Blackened Shrimp Alfredo

This Blackened Shrimp Alfredo recipe is a standout Creamy Cajun Pasta:

Bold Flavors: Fiery blackened shrimp meets indulgent Alfredo sauce.
Quick Meal: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
One-Pan Ease: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
Impressive: Feels fancy enough for guests or date nights.
I made this for a dinner party, and it was the ultimate Creamy Cajun Pasta hit!

Ingredients for Blackened Shrimp Alfredo

Here’s what you’ll need for Blackened Shrimp Alfredo (serves 4):

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
2 tbsp blackening seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
8 oz fettuccine pasta
1 cup heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, 1 tbsp lemon juice

Ingredient Tips:

Shrimp: Fresh or thawed frozen; devein for best texture.
Pasta: Fettuccine is classic; linguine or penne works too.
Parmesan: Freshly grated for a smooth, creamy sauce.
Seasoning: Store-bought or homemade blackening spice adds smoky heat.
Equipment: Large skillet, pot, colander, tongs.

Directions for Blackened Shrimp Alfredo

Let’s whip up this delicious Blackened Shrimp Alfredo!

Cook the Pasta

I cook 8 oz fettuccine according to package instructions, about 10–12 minutes, until al dente.
I drain and set aside, reserving ¼ cup pasta water if needed.

Season and Sear Shrimp

I pat 1 lb shrimp dry and toss with 2 tbsp blackening seasoning.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I heat 2 tbsp olive oil or butter and sear the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
I remove them and set aside.

Make Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, I reduce heat to medium, add 3 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
I pour in 1 cup heavy cream, simmering for 2 minutes while stirring.
I add ¾ cup grated Parmesan, stirring until melted and thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
I season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Toss

I add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
If the sauce is too thick, I add a splash of reserved pasta water.
I return the shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing to combine for a perfect Blackened Shrimp Alfredo.

Garnish and Serve

I garnish with 2 tbsp chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes or a drizzle of lemon juice.
I serve the Blackened Shrimp Alfredo immediately, hot and creamy.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~550 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 45g carbs, 30g protein, 30g fat, 2g fiber

Variations for Blackened Shrimp Alfredo

Try these twists on Blackened Shrimp Alfredo:

Protein Swap: Use blackened chicken or scallops instead of shrimp.
Pasta Swap: Try linguine, penne, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Lighter Sauce: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness.
Citrus Kick: Add 1 tbsp lemon juice for a bright, tangy finish.

Storage

I store Blackened Shrimp Alfredo leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce, stirring until warmed through. For microwaving, I heat in 30-second intervals, stirring to prevent shrimp from toughening. Freezing is possible for up to 1 month, but the sauce may separate; thaw overnight and reheat slowly.

Serving Ideas

Make your Blackened Shrimp Alfredo a star Creamy Cajun Pasta:

Classic: Serve as a Creamy Cajun Pasta with warm garlic bread.
Garnish: Sprinkle extra Parmesan or parsley for a restaurant touch.
Pairing: Enjoy with a crisp Chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon.
Presentation: Plate with a twirl of pasta and shrimp on top for elegance.
Occasion: Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or festive gatherings.

FAQs

What is blackening seasoning?
It’s a mix of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper—bold and slightly spicy.

Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, reduce the amount of blackening seasoning or use a mild Cajun blend.

Do I need to devein the shrimp?
Yes, it’s recommended for better texture and presentation.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
You can, but the flavor won’t be as deep since pre-cooked shrimp won’t blacken properly.

Is there a dairy-free version?
Use full-fat coconut milk and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative for the sauce.

Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

What kind of Parmesan should I use?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and gives the sauce a smooth, creamy texture.

How do I keep the sauce from getting grainy?
Use low heat when melting the cheese and stir constantly.

What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients and use a large skillet or pot to ensure even cooking.

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Conclusion

Blackened Shrimp Alfredo is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. With tender, seasoned shrimp and a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce, this Creamy Cajun Pasta is sure to become a new favorite for dinner at home—whether it’s a weeknight indulgence or a special treat.