Creamy Cajun Blackened Fish & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta: A Flavorful Delight
Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you looking for a dish that's packed with flavor and won't take up too much of your time? Look no further! This Creamy Cajun Blackened Fish & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a real showstopper, perfect for a cozy evening in or a special occasion with loved ones.
What You'll Need:
- 1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (make sure to check the label for any pork products)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for cooking
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half (or milk for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Let's Get Started:
1. Prep Your Seafood: In a bowl, gently toss the fish pieces and shrimp with the Cajun seasoning and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Make sure everything is nicely coated.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
3. Blacken the Stars: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, carefully add the seasoned fish. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until nicely blackened and cooked through. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sizzle the Shrimp: In the same skillet (add a tiny bit more oil if needed), add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until pink and cooked through. Don't overcook them! Remove the shrimp and set aside with the fish.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and garlic. Cook until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant. Pour in the half-and-half and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together, adding some reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Return the fish and shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to combine.
Tips and Variations:
- Use any white fish you like, such as cod, tilapia, or haddock.
- Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet with the garlic for extra flavor.
- If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the Cajun seasoning.
- Serve with some crusty bread or garlic bread for a delicious side.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Get ready to indulge in a dish that's packed with flavor and sure to impress! The combination of blackened fish, succulent shrimp, and creamy Alfredo sauce is a match made in heaven. Give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness!