Name: Cajun Shrimp with Tomato Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces fettuccine pasta (uncooked); 12 ounces large shrimp, shells removed; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking shrimp); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 15 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 can); ¾ cup heavy cream; 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated; ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste); 3 fresh basil leaves, chopped; Additional Parmesan cheese (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 32 reviews

If you adore bold flavors and creamy pasta dishes, then the Cajun Shrimp with Tomato Alfredo Pasta Recipe is your next go-to comfort meal. This vibrant dish marries spicy, seasoned shrimp with a luscious tomato-infused Alfredo sauce, creating a harmonious blend of smoky, tangy, and creamy textures that dance on your palate. It’s a fantastic way to elevate weeknight dinners with minimal fuss, yet offers a rich, restaurant-quality experience that you’ll want to share with friends and family time and time again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a white bowl on a white marbled surface, there is a dish with three main layers. The bottom layer is light orange curly pasta, covered with pieces of cooked shrimp that have a light pink and orange color with some seasoning spots. On top of the shrimp and pasta, there is a sprinkling of shredded white cheese and thin strips of fresh green basil leaves, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors below. A gold fork rests inside the bowl on the right side. Some cheese and basil pieces are scattered on the white marbled surface around the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets the stage for this delicious recipe. Each one plays a vital role, whether adding a punch of spice, creaminess, or that luscious sauce texture that brings everything together perfectly.

12 ounces pasta: Choose fettuccine or your favorite shape; it’s the comforting base that carries the sauce wonderfully.
12 ounces large shrimp: Peeled and deveined for quick cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: This is the heart of the dish, delivering that signature spicy kick to the shrimp.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps cook the shrimp and aromatics to perfection.
2 tablespoons butter: For richness and a silky finish when cooking the onion and garlic.
1 small onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and depth to balance the spicy shrimp and creamy sauce.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of savory warmth throughout the dish.
15 ounces crushed tomatoes: The bright tomato base that takes the Alfredo sauce to the next level.
¾ cup heavy cream: For that indulgently smooth and creamy texture in the sauce.
1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese: Enhances the sauce with its nutty, salty character.
¼ teaspoon salt and pepper: To season and balance all the flavors perfectly.
3 fresh basil leaves, chopped: A fresh, fragrant garnish to brighten every bite.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp with Tomato Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. This ensures it’s perfectly al dente, giving your Cajun Shrimp with Tomato Alfredo Pasta Recipe the ideal texture. Drain it once done and set aside while you prepare the sauce and shrimp.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, toss the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning for that amazing spicy flavor. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the shrimp for just a couple minutes on each side until they turn beautifully pink. This quick searing locks in juiciness and bold seasoning. Remove the shrimp and keep them warm for later.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet, letting the butter melt gently over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. This step builds a flavorful foundation for the sauce with aromatic sweetness and savory depth.

Step 4: Simmer the Tomato Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce bubble softly on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring now and then to let the flavors meld together beautifully and reduce slightly for richness.

Step 5: Finish the Tomato Alfredo Sauce

Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously creamy. Taste and add salt and pepper to perfect the seasoning, balancing tanginess with creaminess and spice.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

Toss the cooked pasta and Cajun-spiced shrimp into the skillet with the sauce. Mix everything thoroughly so each strand and morsel is coated in that dreamy tomato Alfredo sauce, making every bite unforgettable.

How to Serve Cajun Shrimp with Tomato Alfredo Pasta Recipe

A metal pan on a white marbled surface holds a mixture in three stages. In the first stage, a woman's hand pours bright red tomato sauce over a bed of golden brown, finely chopped onions that seem slightly cooked, spread evenly at the bottom of the pan. The second stage shows the pan filled with chunky tomato sauce, mixed with bits of the golden onion, and a sprinkle of white and black pepper on top, sitting in the center. The third stage captures the sauce being stirred with a wooden spoon, revealing a thick, textured, and glossy red-orange sauce combined with the softened onions, coating the pan's surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the top for a pop of green freshness and an herby aroma that beautifully complements the creamy sauce and spicy shrimp. A little extra Parmesan cheese can also be scattered for an additional cheesy note that’s irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is also perfect to soak up any leftover sauce, making sure nothing goes to waste.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Cajun Shrimp with Tomato Alfredo Pasta Recipe in shallow bowls for an inviting, rustic style. For a fun twist, try plating the shrimp on top of the pasta like a crown to showcase those beautifully seared crustaceans. Garnishing with a lemon wedge adds a bright contrast and a squeeze of extra zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, though the pasta may absorb some sauce and thicken, which is easily fixed during reheating.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, the creamy Alfredo sauce might separate slightly upon thawing, and the pasta texture could become softer. If you freeze it, store sauce and pasta separately if possible, and consume within 1 month for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring regularly and adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent curdling of the sauce and rubbery shrimp texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While fettuccine works beautifully, penne, linguine, or even rigatoni will hold the creamy tomato Alfredo sauce well. Just cook according to package instructions and enjoy.

How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this recipe?

The spice level is balanced with the creamy sauce, so it delivers a pleasant warmth without overwhelming heat. You can always adjust the Cajun seasoning amount to suit your preference.

Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?

Yes! At just around 25 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is a fantastic option when you want a delicious, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?

You can use half-and-half or a blend of milk and cream, but note that it might result in a slightly thinner sauce with less richness. Adjust the cheese amounts to compensate if desired.

What if I don’t have fresh basil? Can I use dried?

Fresh basil adds a wonderful aroma and color, but dried basil can be used in a pinch. Add dried basil earlier in the sauce cooking process to allow its flavor to infuse properly.

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to give this Cajun Shrimp with Tomato Alfredo Pasta Recipe a try—it’s the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and fresh flavors all coming together in a dish that feels special without being complicated. Whether for a cozy night in or impressing guests, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite you’ll reach for again and again.