If you are craving a pasta dish that is bursting with bold flavors and creamy decadence, this Blackened Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is going to be your new favorite weeknight indulgence. Imagine tender shrimp seasoned with a smoky, spicy blackened rub, perfectly seared to juicy perfection, then tossed with silky Alfredo sauce and fettuccine that holds every luscious bite just right. It’s comfort food elevated with a punch that leaves you wanting more, and surprisingly simple to make any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Blackened Shrimp Alfredo Recipe lies in its straightforward, quality ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in layering flavor and texture, creating a harmonious dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Provides tender, juicy protein that soaks up the blackened spices perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the shrimp sear beautifully while adding a subtle fruitiness.
- 1½ tablespoons blackened seasoning: This aromatic blend gives the shrimp that irresistible smoky and spicy crust.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 12 ounces dry fettuccine pasta: The ideal pasta shape for capturing the creamy Alfredo sauce in every bite.
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce: Rich, velvety, and indulgently creamy, tying the whole dish together.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness and gorgeous pop of green color.
- Lemon wedges (optional): A zesty finish to brighten the rich sauce and shrimp.
- Hot sauce (optional): For those who love an extra punch of heat on the side.
How to Make Blackened Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil; seasoning the water is key because it flavors the pasta from the inside out. Cook the fettuccine until it’s just al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. This texture balance is crucial as the pasta will continue to soak up sauce later.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, gently toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, blackened seasoning, and kosher salt. This layer of seasoning ensures each shrimp bursts with bold, smoky flavor and a touch of heat that’s signature to blackened dishes.
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot—this helps create a beautiful crust on the shrimp. Add the shrimp in a single layer to avoid overcrowding, which can cause steaming rather than searing. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until the shrimp turns opaque and slightly charred. Remove them and set aside to maintain that perfect texture.
Step 4: Warm the Alfredo Sauce
Using the same skillet allows you to keep all those delicious browned bits from the shrimp cooking process. Heat your Alfredo sauce gently, whether you make it from scratch or use a quality jar. This gives the sauce a subtle smoky undertone from the shrimp drippings, subtly elevating the entire dish.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Pasta
Return the succulent blackened shrimp back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing them gently to coat every nook and cranny. Then drain the pasta, reserve a little pasta water if you want to loosen the sauce, and add the noodles directly to the pan. Toss everything together until the fettuccine is luxuriously coated with the creamy, spicy sauce and shrimp.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top to add that fresh burst of color and a subtle herbal note. Serve immediately with optional lemon wedges and hot sauce on the side to allow everyone to customize their own perfect bite.
How to Serve Blackened Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic finishing touch that adds brightness and a beautiful contrast to the rich sauce. Tiny accents like a twist of lemon or a sprinkle of crushed red chili flakes can also brighten the dish and give it a personalized touch, turning a simple plate into a feast for the senses.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted asparagus to add some textured freshness. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are also fantastic for sopping up any leftover Alfredo sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the blackened shrimp Alfredo over a bed of sautéed spinach or peas to add pops of vibrant green. You can also dish it up in wide pasta bowls to showcase the shrimp and sauce beautifully, making it feel extra inviting and elegant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Blackened Shrimp Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp and sauce will maintain their flavor, but the pasta may absorb more sauce, so toss gently before serving again to revive the texture.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not ideal because the Alfredo sauce can separate when thawed, and shrimp tends to become rubbery. If you do freeze it, separate the components—freeze the sauce and pasta separately and add freshly cooked shrimp after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Microwaving is possible, but tender care is needed to avoid toughening the shrimp or causing sauce curdling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Blackened Shrimp Alfredo Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure they sear nicely and develop that perfect blackened crust without steaming.
How spicy is the blackened seasoning?
The heat level can be adjusted based on the seasoning you use or create. Traditional blackened seasoning has a moderate spice level, but you can tone it down or amp it up by adjusting cayenne pepper or chili powder quantities.
Can I make Alfredo sauce from scratch?
Yes! A homemade Alfredo sauce made with butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese will taste fresh and rich, complementing the blackened shrimp beautifully. It’s worth the little extra effort if you have time.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses regular fettuccine pasta, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or legumes, and double-check that your Alfredo sauce ingredients have no gluten additives.
What can I do if I don’t have blackened seasoning?
You can easily make your own blackened seasoning by mixing paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. It’s a wonderful way to customize the spice blend to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Blackened Shrimp Alfredo Recipe brings together the perfect balance of smoky spice, creamy indulgence, and fresh flavors that makes every bite unforgettable. It’s a wonderful way to shake up your pasta nights and delight friends and family with something a little special yet incredibly easy. Give it a try soon—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen.
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Blackened Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Blackened Shrimp Alfredo recipe combines spicy, perfectly seared shrimp with creamy, rich Alfredo sauce and tender fettuccine pasta. It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare. The blackened seasoning adds a smoky, slightly spicy twist to the classic Alfredo pasta.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons blackened seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Pasta & Sauce
- 12 ounces dry fettuccine pasta (¾ box)
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Heat a large pot of salted water until it boils. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, blackened seasoning, and kosher salt, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Warm or make Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, either prepare the Alfredo sauce from scratch or heat pre-made sauce until warmed through.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Toss with pasta: Add the drained fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss together with the shrimp and Alfredo sauce until fully combined and heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Offer lemon wedges and hot sauce on the side for added flavor if desired.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the shrimp in the skillet as it lowers the temperature and prevents proper searing.
- Adjust the amount of blackened seasoning to taste if you prefer less or more spice.
- Using freshly made Alfredo sauce will enhance the richness, but store-bought works well for convenience.
- This dish pairs nicely with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.
