Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Feel free to substitute fettuccine with any pasta you have on hand. For a lighter version, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half, though it may slightly alter the richness of the sauce.
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Toss them in a bowl to ensure they’re evenly coated.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re opaque and have a nice char. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In a large pot, cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- In the same skillet used for the shrimp, lower the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring as it warms. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, mixing gently to combine with the pasta and sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing.
A tip from my kitchen: let the shrimp sit with the seasoning for a few minutes before cooking. It allows the flavors to meld, creating a more vibrant taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International