Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo

This hearty Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta combines the luxurious creaminess of Alfredo sauce with the fiery kick of Cajun spices, creating a dinner that feels special yet surprisingly simple to prepare. The combination of tender steak cubes and juicy shrimp makes this dish truly indulgent, while the silky Parmesan sauce brings everything together into a meal that satisfies on every level.

I first made this dish when I wanted to surprise my partner with something special without making a reservation. The look on their face when they took that first bite told me this recipe would become a regular in our household. Now it's our go-to when we want to treat ourselves without leaving home.

Ingredients

• 8 oz fettuccine pasta: providing the perfect base for capturing the creamy sauce
• 1 lb large shrimp: peeled and deveined for quick cooking and tender texture
• 1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak: choose well-marbled cuts for maximum flavor
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: divided between proteins for that signature zesty kick
• Salt and black pepper: to taste for seasoning balance
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: divided for properly searing the proteins
• 3 cloves garlic: minced finely for aromatic foundation
• 1 cup heavy cream: creating the luxurious base of the Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: adds depth while keeping the sauce from becoming too heavy
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: always grate your own for proper melting
• Fresh chopped parsley or extra Parmesan: for bright color and finishing touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Pasta:

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until perfectly al dente usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining this starchy liquid helps bind the sauce later if needed. Drain pasta but do not rinse as the starch helps the sauce adhere to the noodles.

Cook The Steak:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and swirl to coat the surface. Season steak cubes thoroughly with salt pepper and half the Cajun seasoning making sure each piece is evenly coated. Add steak to the hot pan in a single layer without overcrowding. Let it sear undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until a golden crust forms then flip and continue cooking until your desired doneness about 3-4 minutes total for medium-rare. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

Prepare The Shrimp:

Using the same skillet add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. When oil is shimmering add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer without crowding. Season with remaining Cajun seasoning sprinkled evenly. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque about 1-2 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook or they will become rubbery. Remove to the plate with the steak.

Create The Alfredo Sauce:

Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet being careful not to burn it. Cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add heavy cream and allow mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan while continuously stirring until completely melted and sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened about 3-5 minutes.

Combine Everything:

Return the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat every strand. If sauce seems too thick add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Gently fold in the steak and shrimp allowing them to warm through in the sauce for about 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve And Garnish:

Transfer to serving plates while hot and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.

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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the way the sauce picks up all those wonderful browned bits from searing the meat and shrimp. That's where the magic happens. I still remember the first time I made this for my parents they couldn't believe it wasn't from a restaurant. Dad even asked for the recipe which he's never done before.

Perfect Protein Cooking

The key to this dish is properly cooking both proteins. For the steak ensure your pan is very hot before adding the meat so you get a nice sear while keeping the inside tender. Cut against the grain when prepping your steak for the most tender bite. For shrimp remember they cook extremely quickly typically 1-2 minutes per side depending on size. They're done as soon as they turn pink and opaque all the way through. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery so it's better to undercook slightly as they'll continue cooking when returned to the sauce.

Make-Ahead Options

This Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo works beautifully as a meal prep option. You can prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving. Cook the pasta al dente rinse with cold water to stop cooking and toss with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container. The sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and gently reheated when ready to serve with a splash of cream to refresh the texture. The proteins are best cooked fresh but can be prepared up to a day ahead and gently reheated in the warm sauce.

Serving Suggestions

While this dish is certainly hearty enough to stand alone I love serving it with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread is another perfect accompaniment for soaking up any extra sauce. For a more elegant presentation consider serving in shallow pasta bowls with the sauce pooled around the pasta and the proteins arranged artfully on top garnished with microgreens or a light dusting of additional Cajun seasoning.

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Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of steak works best for this dish?

Well-marbled cuts like ribeye offer the most flavor, but sirloin works wonderfully as a leaner alternative. The key is cutting the steak into even cubes so they cook uniformly and remain tender in the finished dish.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

You can easily customize the heat by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning. For milder flavor, use 1 tablespoon instead of 2. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

→ Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the pasta ahead and toss it with a little oil to prevent sticking. The shrimp and steak can be seasoned and refrigerated up to a day in advance. The final sauce is best made fresh, but the meal can be assembled quickly with these prepped components.

→ What if my Alfredo sauce is too thick?

If your sauce thickens too much, simply add a splash of reserved pasta water, chicken broth, or cream to loosen it to your desired consistency. The starchy pasta water is especially good for maintaining the silky texture.

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Excess moisture can prevent proper searing and dilute the flavors in your dish.

→ What sides pair well with this pasta?

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce, and roasted asparagus or broccoli adds color and nutritional balance to the meal.