Healthy Homemade Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Craving something bold, creamy, and packed with flavor? This Cajun Shrimp Alfredo checks all the boxes. As a dietitian and flexitarian, I love meals that feel indulgent but still fit into a balanced lifestyle.
Juicy, Cajun-spiced shrimp are the star of this dish, paired with a lighter homemade Alfredo sauce that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s versatile too. Toss it with fettuccine for a comforting classic, spoon it over roasted veggies for a veggie-forward twist, or use it as a base for whatever protein you’re craving.
Simple ingredients, big flavor, and totally weeknight-friendly. This is the kind of meal I’m always excited to share with friends and family.
Why I love This Recipe
Simple Ingredients: This recipe is made with pantry staples and fresh produce, so you don’t need to hunt for fancy ingredients. Chances are, you already have most of what you need.
Lighter Alfredo: It’s rich and creamy but made with healthier fats and wholesome ingredients, giving you all the indulgence of a classic Alfredo without the heaviness. My lighter Alfredo sauce recipe.
Easily Dairy-Free: Plant-based swaps like cashew cream or non-dairy milk work beautifully, making this recipe flexible for different dietary preferences while keeping it creamy and flavorful.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a weeknight win for when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients For This Dairy-Free Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
For the Shrimp:
-
- Shrimp (1 lb), peeled and deveined
- Olive oil (1 tbsp)
- Cajun seasoning (1 tbsp)
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cashew Alfredo Sauce
Fettuccini
-
- Choose your favorite fettuccini or any other long pasta you prefer.
Additional Seasonings & Toppings:
-
- Cajun seasoning (1-2 tsp), to taste (for extra spice in the sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes, optional for extra heat
- Lemon wedges, optional for serving
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the fettuccine pasta (12 oz) according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp (1 lb) dry with a paper towel and season with Cajun seasoning (1 tbsp), garlic powder (1/2 tsp), salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil (1 tbsp) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Combine Everything
- Return the skillet to low heat.
- Add the carrot and celery to the skillet and sautee for 5 minutes.
- Once the vegetables are cooked add the cajun spices to toast for 1-2 minuties.
- Pour the prepared cashew Alfredo sauce over the sauteed vegetables and seasoning and stir to mix.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Add the cooked pasta and cooked shrimp back to the skillet and gently toss everything together.
- Taste and season with additional Cajun seasoning (1-2 tsp), salt, and pepper, as needed.
Step 4: Serve & Garnish
- Plate the Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo while hot.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and a lemon wedge for squeezing over the top (optional).
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Substitutions and Add Ins
Substitutions and Add-Ins
- Substitutions:
- Cashews: Use raw sunflower seeds or blanched almonds if cashews are not available. You could also use a plant-based cream cheese.
- Unsweetened Soy Milk: Substitute with almond milk, oat milk, or unsweetened coconut milk.
- Nutritional Yeast: Replace with grated dairy-free parmesan cheese or omit for a milder flavor.
- Protein: Replace the juicy shrimp with chicken breast, andouille sausage, sautéed tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Pasta: Swap fettachini for linguini, speghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta.
- Add-Ins:
- Vegetables: Include sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, zucchini noodles, or kale for additional nutrition.
- Spices: Increase the Cajun spices heat by adding more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Herbs: Add fresh thyme or oregano for an extra herbal boost.
Storage Suggestions
Store the Cajun Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk, water or plant-based milk to restore its creamy texture.
- Freezing Tip: For longer storage, freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
More Delicious Recipes
Easy Vegan Yakisoba Inspired Noodles
Healthy Homemade Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Shrimp and Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot
- 1 large skillet
- 1 colander
- 1 Tongs
- 1 measuing cups and spoons
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 knife
- 1 mixing spoon
Ingredients
For The Shrimp
- 1 lbs large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp algae oil or olive oil
- 1 tbsp cajun seasoning
For The Pasta and Veggies
- 12 oz Fettuccine pasta
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 tbsp algae oil or avocado oil
- 1 tbsp cajun seasoning
Additional Ingredients
- 1-2 cups Cashew Alfredo Sauce
- fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine pasta (12 oz) according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp (1 lb) dry with a paper towel and season with Cajun seasoning (1 tbsp), garlic powder (1/2 tsp), salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil (1 tbsp) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Combine Everything
- Return the skillet to low heat. Add the carrot and celery to the skillet and sautee for 5 minutes. Once the vegetables are cooked add the cajun spices to toast for 1-2 minuties. Pour the prepared cashew Alfredo sauce over the sauteed vegetables and seasoning and stir to mix. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Add the cooked pasta and cooked shrimp back to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Taste and season with additional Cajun seasoning (1-2 tsp), salt, and pepper, as needed.
Step 4: Serve & Garnish
- Plate the Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo while hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and a lemon wedge for squeezing over the top (optional). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Please note that nutrition facts for the Cashew Alfredo sauce recipe are not included. The nutritional content will vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, as well as any modifications or serving sizes. For the most accurate information, I recommend calculating the nutrition facts using your preferred tool based on the exact ingredients you choose.
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Sarah Harper, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing all things food! At The Addy Bean, you’ll find a variety of flexitarian recipes designed to inspire and empower you to explore the delicious world of plant-based eating. My mission is to make plant-forward meals approachable, enjoyable, and part of your everyday life!
0 Comments