If you’re looking for a seafood pasta dish that’s both elegant and full of bold flavor, this Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff delivers in every bite. It combines juicy shrimp coated in Cajun seasoning with a silky sour cream sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and roasted red peppers—all tossed with tender fettuccine noodles.
This easy weeknight dinner takes classic beef stroganoff and gives it a modern coastal twist. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a creamy, savory, and slightly spicy meal that feels indulgent but is simple enough for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or a date night in, this dish will impress without keeping you in the kitchen for hours.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: A restaurant-quality seafood pasta ready in under an hour.
- One-pan recipe: Fewer dishes and easy cleanup.
- Full of flavor: Cajun-seasoned shrimp, tangy sour cream, and savory mushrooms.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your taste.
About the Ingredients
Fresh Shrimp
Use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience. The Cajun seasoning gives them that signature “blackened” flavor.
Cajun Seasoning
Adds a smoky, spicy kick. You can make your own blend or use your favorite store brand.
Fettuccine Pasta
Wide, flat noodles hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
Butter
Enhances flavor and helps sauté the vegetables to perfection.
Fresh Mushrooms
Add earthiness and texture to the sauce.
Shallots
Provide a mild onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
Sour Cream
The base of the stroganoff sauce—rich, tangy, and creamy.
Chicken Broth
Keeps the sauce smooth and flavorful.
Roasted Red Bell Peppers
Sweet and smoky, they add color and depth to the pasta.
Capers
Offer a touch of briny sharpness that balances the richness.
Olive Oil
Helps the seasoning stick to the shrimp.
Salt and Black Pepper
To taste. Adjust depending on your Cajun seasoning’s salt content.
Tips & Tricks
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
They cook fast—remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink to keep them juicy and tender.
Deglaze the Pan Properly
Scrape up any flavorful bits when adding broth for a richer sauce, enhancing the overall taste.
Control the Spice
For milder heat, use less Cajun seasoning or add a splash of cream to tone it down without losing flavor.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh shrimp and mushrooms for the best texture and flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente as it will continue to cook slightly once added to the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning after combining all ingredients to suit your taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinate the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, and Cajun seasoning. Toss until evenly coated and set aside to marinate while prepping the other ingredients.
Cook the Fettuccine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook for 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large frying pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and shallots, cooking until tender and golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp
In the same pan, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for 2–3 minutes, turning once, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base
Add ⅔ cup chicken broth to the pan and bring to a boil. Let it reduce to ¼ cup (about 2–3 minutes).
Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, cornstarch, and 1 cup chicken broth. Pour into the pan and stir until thickened and bubbly. Simmer for one more minute.
Combine All Ingredients
Return shrimp, sautéed vegetables, roasted red bell peppers, and capers to the sauce. Stir to combine and heat through.
Finish and Serve
Toss the cooked fettuccine with the sauce, coating evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or extra Cajun seasoning if desired.
Delicious Variations
Vegetarian Option
Replace shrimp with tofu or additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a vegetarian twist.
Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning for an extra spicy version.
Herbaceous Flavor
Incorporate fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a fresh, aromatic finish.
How to Store Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Not recommended, as sour cream sauces can separate after thawing.
Room Temperature
Best served fresh, do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning.
How spicy is this recipe?
It has a mild-to-medium heat level. Adjust Cajun seasoning to make it more or less spicy.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute and adds extra protein.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and shrimp ahead, then cook fresh pasta before serving for the best texture.
What can I serve with this dish?
Pair with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a complete meal.