Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta is a bold and creamy dish packed with spicy Cajun flavors, tender steak, juicy shrimp, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. This indulgent meal is perfect for date nights, special occasions, or when you just want to treat yourself to restaurant-quality pasta at home. With a balance of heat, creaminess, and perfectly cooked protein, this dish is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality at Home – Tastes just like a dish from your favorite steakhouse.
- Bold Cajun Flavor – The perfect blend of spice, creaminess, and smoky goodness.
- Surf and Turf Combination – The best of both worlds with steak and shrimp in one dish.
- Easy to Make – Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level and ingredients to your liking.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- For the Protein:
- Steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon)
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
- Butter
- For the Alfredo Sauce:
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- Garlic (minced)
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Black pepper
- Cajun seasoning
- For the Pasta:
- Fettuccine or linguine
- Salt (for boiling water)
- Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Steak: Season the steak with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side (or to your preferred doneness). Let it rest before slicing.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same pan, add butter and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until smooth. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine Everything: Toss the cooked pasta in the Alfredo sauce, then add the sliced steak and shrimp on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter Alfredo sauce.
- Spicier Twist – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetable Addition – Mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Different Proteins – Swap shrimp for scallops or use grilled chicken instead of steak.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta or zoodles instead of fettuccine.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to prevent the sauce from separating.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as Alfredo sauce can become grainy when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce has a richer and fresher taste.
What’s the best steak cut for this dish?
Ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon work best for a tender and flavorful bite.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the Cajun seasoning or add crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I cook the shrimp and steak together?
It’s best to cook them separately to ensure both proteins are cooked properly.
What type of pasta works best?
Fettuccine is classic, but linguine or penne work well too.
How do I keep the Alfredo sauce from separating?
Stir constantly and avoid overheating the sauce. Adding a bit of pasta water can help maintain a creamy texture.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add it at the end just to warm it up, so it doesn’t overcook.
How do I prevent my steak from becoming tough?
Let it rest after cooking and slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness.
What can I serve with this dish?
A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted asparagus pairs well with Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese substitutes, but note that the flavor will change slightly.
Conclusion
Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and utterly delicious dish that brings together the best flavors of steak and seafood. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just want a comforting yet bold dinner, this dish will not disappoint. Give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your home!
Print
Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Italian-American
Description
This Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta is a rich, creamy, and spicy dish packed with juicy shrimp, tender steak, and a homemade Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a restaurant-quality meal at home, this pasta is bold, buttery, and bursting with Cajun flavors!
Ingredients
For the Protein:
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet), sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional, for extra spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Steak:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season steak with ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
- Remove steak from pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
- In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
- Season shrimp with ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
5. Combine Everything:
- Add the drained pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat.
- Stir in the cooked steak and shrimp, mixing everything together.
6. Serve & Garnish:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Steak Options: Ribeye is the juiciest choice, but sirloin or filet work great too.
- Shrimp Tip: Use large shrimp (16-20 count) for the best texture.
- Extra Spice: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for more heat.
- Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk.