Description
Louisiana Shrimp Pasta blends Gulf Coast flavors with rich, spicy cream sauce that dances across hearty noodles. Seafood enthusiasts will savor each luxurious bite of this Southern-inspired comfort dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces (8 oz) fettuccine pasta (or preferred pasta)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Fats and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook fettuccine until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and reserve.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Season shrimp with Cajun spices, salt, and pepper. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until shellfish turns vibrant pink and develops a golden exterior.
- Reduce skillet heat and melt butter. Sauté diced onions until they become translucent and slightly fragrant. Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Incorporate smoked paprika, remaining Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth, allowing the mixture to simmer and gradually thicken for 3-4 minutes.
- Return seared shrimp to the creamy sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and stir until completely melted, creating a luxurious, velvety texture. Gently fold cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring each strand is generously coated.
- Transfer to serving dishes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added flavor. Serve immediately while the sauce remains warm and silky.
Notes
- Spice Level Control: Adjust Cajun seasoning to match personal heat tolerance, using less for mild preferences or adding hot sauce for extra kick.
- Protein Swap Flexibility: Replace shrimp with chicken, andouille sausage, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary variations.
- Creamy Sauce Texture: Simmer sauce gently to prevent separation and achieve smooth, velvety consistency without curdling.
- Quick Cooking Tip: Ensure shrimp are not overcooked by removing them immediately after turning pink to maintain tender, juicy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg