Ingredients:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
8 oz fettuccine pasta
1 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the pasta
Begin by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to the instructions on the package. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and once boiling, add the fettuccine. Cook until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water and set the pasta aside. It’s essential to cook the pasta first so that it’s ready to be tossed in the rich, creamy sauce as soon as it’s done.
Step 2: Season the shrimp
While the pasta is cooking, focus on seasoning the shrimp. Take your peeled and deveined shrimp and place them in a bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ensuring that each shrimp is evenly coated. Next, sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the shrimp and toss them well, ensuring every piece is seasoned. The Cajun seasoning brings the necessary spice and flavor, providing that signature “blackened” taste when cooked.
Step 3: Cook the shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are blackened and fully cooked. You want the shrimp to have a slightly charred, crispy exterior but remain juicy on the inside. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 4: Make the creamy sauce
In the same skillet that you cooked the shrimp, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Afterward, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir continuously. Once the cream starts to simmer, add the grated Parmesan cheese slowly, stirring until it fully melts and integrates into the sauce. The sauce will begin to thicken after a few minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed, adjusting to your preference.
Step 5: Combine pasta with the sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce to ensure it’s fully coated. The pasta should soak up the rich flavors from the Parmesan and garlic cream sauce. Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to absorb even more flavor.
Step 6: Add the shrimp
After the pasta is well coated with the sauce, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, allowing the shrimp to heat through once again. The combination of blackened shrimp and creamy pasta creates a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
To finish, garnish the Blackened Shrimp Pasta with freshly chopped parsley. The parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the rich, creamy sauce and spicy shrimp. Serve the dish immediately while it’s still warm, and enjoy!
