Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines rich and creamy Alfredo sauce with the bold spices of Cajun seasoning.
• Features two proteins—succulent shrimp and tender steak—for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Quick and easy to prepare in under 40 minutes.
• Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality dinner at home.
• Versatile recipe with simple ingredient substitutions to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fettuccine pasta
• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
• Cajun seasoning
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil water in a large pot, adding a generous pinch of salt.
2. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Steak

1. Toss steak pieces with Cajun seasoning in a bowl until well coated.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add steak and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked to your liking.
4. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the shrimp.
2. In the same skillet, cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
3. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. Add olive oil and garlic to the skillet, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, cooking for 2–3 minutes.
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Add cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat.
2. Fold in cooked steak and shrimp.
3. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4

Variations

• Protein Substitutions: Replace steak with chicken or skip for a pescatarian option.
• Spiciness: Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice tolerance or add crushed red pepper flakes.
• Pasta Options: Use penne, linguine, or spaghetti as alternatives to fettuccine.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap shrimp and steak with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking the shrimp and steak.

FAQs

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Toss the cooked pasta with a drizzle of olive oil while preparing the rest of the dish.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add them at the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming rubbery.

What’s the best steak for this recipe?

Sirloin or ribeye are excellent choices for their tenderness and flavor.

Can I make the Alfredo sauce lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce may be less rich.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

The sauce is best fresh, but you can pre-cook the steak and shrimp, storing them separately to reheat later.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

Make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

What vegetables pair well with this dish?

Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or sautéed spinach make excellent sides.

How do I thicken the Alfredo sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water).

Conclusion

Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta is a crowd-pleaser that combines the comforting creaminess of Alfredo sauce with the zesty kick of Cajun spices. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. With its rich flavors and versatile variations, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and savor the perfect harmony of shrimp, steak, and pasta!