Shrimp and Tasso Pasta

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Shrimp and Tasso Pasta, a rich, creamy dish bursting with bold flavors from the vibrant combination of Cajun-seasoned shrimp and smoky tasso ham. Perfectly cooked fettuccine is swirled in a decadently smooth sauce, made with heavy cream, cream cheese, and parmesan, elevated by fragrant garlic and a hint of paprika. This easy-to-follow recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Top it off with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal that’s irresistibly satisfying. Perfect for fans of Cajun cuisine, this pasta is a flavorful twist on classic creamy pasta dishes.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup tasso ham, diced
• 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with the olive oil. Add the diced tasso ham and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes, until lightly browned.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 4

Season the shrimp with cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside, leaving the tasso ham mixture in the skillet.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and combined, then add the parmesan cheese. Stir well to create a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 6

If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step 7

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce. Add the chopped parsley and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.

Step 8

Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with more chopped parsley and freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1704.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4381.7

Total Fat 252.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 130.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.4g
Cholesterol 1564.1mg	0%
Sodium 6864.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 272.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.4g	0%
Total Sugars 19.1g
Protein 237.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1351.3mg	0%
Iron 5.7mg	0%
Potassium 2183.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.7%

Protein: 22.0%

Carbs: 25.3%