This Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta combines tender shrimp, juicy steak, and creamy Alfredo sauce with a kick of Cajun spice, creating a bold and flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy. The creamy pasta perfectly balances the rich and spicy flavors of the protein, making this a hearty and indulgent meal.
Ingredients
For the shrimp and steak:
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb (450g) steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank), cut into thin strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (more for extra spice, if desired)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Alfredo sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
For the pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or your choice of pasta
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water (about 1/4 cup), and set aside.
- Season and cook the shrimp and steak:
- In a large bowl, toss the shrimp and steak strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and cook the steak strips for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked to your desired level. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the shrimp.
- Make the Alfredo sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Once the cream begins to thicken (about 3-4 minutes), stir in the Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese (if using). Continue to stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) to taste.
- Combine pasta, shrimp, and steak:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat.
- Add the shrimp and steak back to the skillet, stirring gently to combine everything. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Serve:
- Divide the Cajun shrimp and steak Alfredo pasta among serving plates.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of additional Cajun seasoning or Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the pasta.
- A crisp glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs well with the creamy and spicy flavors of the dish.
This Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta is a deliciously creamy, flavorful dish with the perfect balance of spice and richness. It’s a surefire hit for any special dinner or weeknight meal! Enjoy!