If you’re craving a rich, flavorful dish that’s both indulgent and comforting, look no further. This Shrimp and Lump Crab in a creamy homemade Cajun Alfredo sauce over pasta is sure to satisfy your taste buds. It’s a delightful blend of succulent shrimp, tender lump crab, and a zesty Cajun Alfredo sauce, served over your choice of pasta, rice, or grits. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delectable meal.
Ingredients
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 celery rib, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking pasta)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
For the Shrimp and Crab:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (for shrimp)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking shrimp)
- 1 cup lump crab meat
For Serving:
- Pasta, rice, or grits (your choice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped red bell pepper, green bell pepper, onion, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce:
- Add 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and 3 cloves of minced garlic to the vegetables. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes aromatic.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for another minute to form a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Gradually pour in 1 cup of pasta water while stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate the flour. Then, add 1 cup of heavy cream and continue stirring until the mixture starts to thicken.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in 2 cups of fresh grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with black pepper and garlic powder to taste.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Season the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
- In a separate skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
- Combine Shrimp and Crab with Sauce:
- Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the Cajun Alfredo sauce.
- Add 1 cup of lump crab meat to the sauce and fold gently to combine, being careful not to break up the crab meat.
- Serve:
- Prepare your choice of pasta, rice, or grits according to package instructions.
- Serve the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce with shrimp and crab over the pasta, rice, or grits.
- Optional Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also add a bright, tangy contrast to the rich sauce.
Tips for Success
- Pasta Water: Reserve some pasta water before draining it. The starchy water helps to thicken the sauce and bind it to the pasta.
- Cream Cheese: For an extra creamy texture, you can add a few tablespoons of cream cheese to the sauce.
- Adjust Spices: Taste and adjust the Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference. If you like it spicier, add a bit more; if you prefer it milder, use less.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the shrimp and crab and replace with vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Seafood Variation: You can add other seafood like scallops or lobster in place of the shrimp or crab.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or substitute rice or grits to make this dish gluten-free.
This Shrimp and Lump Crab in a creamy homemade Cajun Alfredo sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or a cozy meal at home. Enjoy the rich, creamy sauce and the delightful combination of shrimp and crab with your favorite base.
