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A close-up shot of a fork twirling fettuccine from a bowl of creamy Cajun seafood pasta, with a large shrimp in focus.

Cajun Seafood Alfredo: The Ultimate Creamy & Spicy Pasta

Indulge in this restaurant-quality Cajun Seafood Alfredo, featuring a perfect blend of spicy seasoning and creamy Parmesan sauce. This easy recipe combines tender shrimp and scallops with fettuccine for a truly unforgettable meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun, Italian
Calories: 850

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb fettuccine pasta
  • 8 oz large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz bay scallops patted dry
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning plus more to taste
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • 1 Large Pot
  • 1 Whisk

Method
 

  1. Cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat seafood dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tbsp butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and scallops and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until seared and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to low, then slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
  5. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Season with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Add the drained fettuccine and cooked seafood to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Tip 1: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest sauce.
Tip 2: Do not overheat the cream sauce to prevent it from separating.
Tip 3: Patting the seafood completely dry is essential for getting a good sear.