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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.
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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
Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff is the perfect combination of spicy Cajun flavor and creamy comfort. Here’s why it belongs in your regular dinner rotation:
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- 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.
- Perfect for entertaining: Elegant enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight.
Ingredients Breakdown
Key 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.
Seasonings and Aromatics
- 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 and Tricks for Success
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: They cook fast—remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink.
- Deglaze the pan properly: Scrape up any flavorful bits when adding broth for a richer sauce.
- Control the spice: For milder heat, use less Cajun seasoning or add a splash of cream to tone it down.
- Cook pasta al dente: It will continue to cook slightly once added to the sauce.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shrimp and mushrooms make a noticeable difference in taste and texture.
Variations and Customizations
- Add vegetables: Spinach, asparagus, or zucchini blend perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Make it extra creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
- Swap the protein: Try chicken or scallops instead of shrimp.
- Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
- Low-carb version: Serve the sauce over spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice instead of fettuccine.
Pairing Suggestions
Complete your meal with these delicious accompaniments:
- Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Simple green salad: Balances the richness with crisp freshness.
- Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc: A light, crisp white wine complements the spice and cream.
- Steamed broccoli or asparagus: Adds texture and a healthy side.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as sour cream sauces can separate after thawing.
Popular 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.
Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- In the same pan, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for 2–3 minutes, turning once, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Add ⅔ cup chicken broth to the pan and bring to a boil. Let it reduce to ¼ cup (about 2–3 minutes).
- 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.
- Return shrimp, sautéed vegetables, roasted red bell peppers, and capers to the sauce. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Toss the cooked fettuccine with the sauce, coating evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or extra Cajun seasoning if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of white wine before reducing the broth.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a bit of extra broth or cream.
- Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.
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