Cajun Shrimp Pasta: Rigatoni, blackened shrimp, jalapeño-cheddar sausage, bell peppers, Alfredo sauce and shredded Parmesan
Cajun-Inflected Shrimp Alfredo
Dave & Buster’s | Based in Dallas
Cody Brandt
A premium seafood experience at a value price? It’s a dining jackpot for the budget-conscious consumer today, and it’s on the menu at Dave & Buster’s in the form of the Cajun Shrimp Pasta. Cody Brandt, director of culinary innovation, describes the dish he and his team developed as “a retro throwback to casual dining with a modernized flavor profile.” Contemporary flavor touches include rigatoni pasta to better carry the Cajun-inflected Alfredo sauce, plus a slightly spicy jalapeño-cheddar sausage. Sweet and spicy blackened shrimp, crunchy bell peppers and salty Parmesan complete the build.
The dish performed at the top of the entrée category throughout its testing and national launch, and it has become a mainstay for the brand’s growing off-premise business and its long-established special events/catering arm. “The layers of flavor and touch of Cajun heat make this item successful from a flavor perspective. But it also checks all the boxes for our guests when it comes to quality,” says Brandt. “It’s fast, fresh food satisfying the date-night diners, families or gamer-focused individuals who frequent our establishments.”
About the Author
Patricia Fitzgerald serves different roles on the Flavor & The Menu team, including writing custom content, Kitchen Collaborative chef spotlights and digital editorial content, as well as acting as a contributing editor for the print magazine. As owner of PFitzCommunications, she specializes in various areas of foodservice and hospitality, while also maintaining clients in other industries and professions. She can be reached at pfitzcommunications@gmail.com.Read More Stories by Patricia Fitzgerald
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