Cajun Shrimp Steak Alfredo – A Bold and Creamy Delight
If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality meal at home, Cajun Shrimp Steak Alfredo is the perfect indulgent dish. This recipe combines succulent Cajun-spiced shrimp, tender juicy steak, and creamy Alfredo sauce over a bed of pasta, creating a rich, bold, and satisfying flavor combination.
This dish brings together the best of Cajun flavors with the elegance of Italian-inspired creamy pasta. Whether for a special dinner, date night, or a comforting homemade feast, this Cajun Shrimp Steak Alfredo will impress every time.
Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp Steak Alfredo
For the Steak:
- 2 Ribeye or Sirloin Steaks (8 oz each, or your preferred cut)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Paprika
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
For the Cajun Shrimp:
- 1 lb Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning
- ½ tsp Paprika
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
- Juice of ½ Lemon
For the Creamy Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 3 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1½ cups Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- ½ tsp Cajun Seasoning
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
- ¼ tsp Nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz Fettuccine or Linguine
- 4 cups Water (for boiling)
- 1 tbsp Salt (for pasta water)
Garnishes (Optional):
- Fresh Chopped Parsley
- Extra Parmesan Cheese
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (for added heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cajun Shrimp Steak Alfredo
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Steak
- Season the Steak: Pat steaks dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Heat the Pan: In a cast-iron skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the Steak: Add the steak to the pan and sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust cooking time based on preference).
- Butter Baste: Add 1 tbsp butter and spoon the melted butter over the steak for extra juiciness.
- Rest the Steak: Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Step 2: Cook the Cajun Shrimp
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the Pan: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
- Squeeze Lemon Juice: Finish with fresh lemon juice and remove from heat.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Boil Water: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and Set Aside: Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce
- Melt Butter: In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Heavy Cream: Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly.
- Season the Sauce: Add Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and nutmeg (optional).
- Melt the Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until creamy.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Plate the Dish: Divide the creamy Alfredo pasta onto plates.
- Top with Steak and Shrimp: Slice the rested steak and place it on top of the pasta along with the Cajun shrimp.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley, Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Tips for the Best Cajun Shrimp Steak Alfredo
- Use High-Quality Steak: Ribeye or sirloin works best for tenderness and flavor.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so remove them as soon as they turn pink.
- Season the Sauce Well: The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick—adjust based on preference.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: Avoid pre-shredded Parmesan, as fresh cheese melts smoother into the sauce.
- Save Pasta Water: Adding a bit of starchy pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
Variations of Cajun Shrimp Steak Alfredo
- Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk.
- Spicier Kick: Add more Cajun seasoning, cayenne, or red pepper flakes.
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp & Steak Alfredo: Add roasted garlic puree for extra depth.
- Mushroom and Spinach Version: Sauté mushrooms and spinach and mix them into the sauce.
What to Serve with Cajun Shrimp Steak Alfredo
Pair this dish with:
- Garlic Bread or Cheesy Breadsticks for extra indulgence
- Caesar Salad or Garden Salad for a fresh contrast
- Roasted Asparagus or Steamed Broccoli for a healthy side
- A Glass of Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon for a perfect pairing
How to Store and Reheat Cajun Shrimp Steak Alfredo
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- On the Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
- In the Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent separation.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Surf and Turf Pasta
Cajun Shrimp Steak Alfredo is the perfect fusion of bold Cajun flavors and creamy Italian-inspired comfort. Whether you’re making it for family, date night, or a luxurious dinner, this dish is a showstopper.
Try this hearty, spicy, and creamy pasta today—you won’t regret it!
Cajun Shrimp Steak Alfredo
Equipment
- Skillet
- Saucepan
- Pasta pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 steak fillets sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season shrimp and steak with Cajun seasoning.
- Cook shrimp and steak in the skillet until shrimp is pink and steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the Alfredo sauce, then add shrimp and steak. Stir to coat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Video
Notes
You can use chicken instead of steak for a lighter version of this dish.