Spicy Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine combines perfectly cooked fettuccine with succulent shrimp, all enveloped in a lusciously creamy, Cajun-infused sauce. This dish brings the heat and the flavor, making every forkful a delightful experience.
Crafting the Perfect Spicy Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine
This dish shines with its spicy shrimp and velvety sauce, both seasoned with a generous dose of Cajun spices. After several kitchen trials, the recipe has been honed to creamy perfection, promising a crowd-pleasing meal every time.
Essential Ingredients
- Fettuccine: The broad, flat noodles of fettuccine are ideal for holding onto the rich sauce. If you’re up for it, homemade pasta will elevate this dish even further. Remember to save some pasta water after boiling for a silky sauce finish.
- Shrimp: Opt for large, raw shrimp, cleaned and prepped for convenience. Fresh shrimp is preferred, but the choice to devein is yours.
- Cajun Flair: Generous Cajun seasoning infuses the dish with its signature warmth. Don’t have a blend on hand? Whip up your own mix of Cajun spices.
- Creaminess: Heavy cream is the secret to the sauce’s luxurious texture. For a lighter version, adjust the amount of cream to your preference.
Noodle Prep
Kick things off by boiling the fettuccine to al dente perfection, following the package’s guidelines. Before draining, set aside a cup of the starchy pasta water to later enhance the sauce’s texture and flavor.
The Role of Pasta Water
Incorporating the starchy pasta water into the dish does wonders, marrying the sauce and noodles beautifully for a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite.
Using Pre-cooked Shrimp?
Absolutely! Thawed, pre-cooked shrimp can be seasoned and added directly to the sauce, simplifying the process.
Storage Tips
For leftovers, an airtight container in the fridge will keep the pasta fresh for a few days. Reheat gently on the stove for best results.
Ingredient Breakdown
For the Noodles:
- 8 ounces (227g) fettuccine noodles
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
Shrimp Seasoning:
- 1 pound (454g) large shrimp, ready to cook
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) olive oil
Creamy Cajun Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, adjusted to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Creation
- Noodle Preparation: Boil salted water, cook the fettuccine al dente, reserve a cup of pasta water for the sauce, then drain and toss the noodles with olive oil.
- Shrimp Seasoning: Coat the shrimp in Cajun spices, salt, and pepper, then sauté in a hot skillet until just cooked. Set aside.
- Sauce Simmering: In the same skillet, melt butter, soften onions, add garlic, then pour in cream, pasta water, and parmesan, seasoning with Cajun spices. Stir until the sauce thickens.
- Combining Elements: Introduce the cooked noodles and shrimp to the sauce, adjusting the thickness with reserved pasta water as needed, and season to taste.
- Serving: Garnish with parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, ready to be savored.
Indulge in this Spicy Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine, where every bite is packed with flavor and the perfect kick of heat, promising a satisfying and memorable meal.
