Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta Recipe for Date Night

Creamy alfredo sauce meets zesty cajun shrimp and steak in a pasta dish that promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Spices dance across tender protein, creating layers of bold flavor you can’t resist.

Louisiana-inspired seasonings ignite each delectable bite with pure excitement.

Juicy meat and succulent seafood combine in a harmony that challenges traditional pasta expectations.

Marinades infuse deep, complex notes into every single strand of perfectly cooked noodles.

Comfort meets excitement on a single plate, delivering a meal that feels both familiar and thrilling.

Dive into this recipe and unleash your inner chef with confidence.

What Goes in Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta

• Steak: Tender beef for a hearty main course, choose a cut like sirloin or ribeye for best flavor.
• Shrimp: Sweet seafood protein that adds oceanic richness, select fresh or frozen large shrimp for optimal texture.

• Pasta: Classic base for combining flavors, fettuccine or penne work perfectly for holding creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Rich foundation for Alfredo sauce, provides smooth and luxurious texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that creates creamy sauce's signature taste, use freshly grated for best melting.

• Cajun Seasoning: Bold spice blend that adds signature Louisiana-style heat and complexity.
• Garlic: Aromatic base that provides deep savory undertones to the sauce.
• Black Pepper: Classic spice that adds subtle warmth and depth.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoky spice that introduces additional layer of flavor complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides optional extra heat and spice kick.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking steak with smooth heat transfer.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create smooth sauce texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green garnish that adds fresh visual appeal and light herbal note.

Make Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta in Steps

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Base

Grab a large pot and fill with water. Add a generous sprinkle of salt. Bring water to a rolling boil. Drop in pasta and cook until it reaches perfect tenderness. Drain and set pasta aside.

Step 2: Sear Tender Beef

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high flame. Generously coat beef with Cajun spice blend. Cook beef to desired doneness, creating a beautiful caramelized exterior. Transfer beef to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Succulent Seafood Sauté

In the same sizzling pan, melt butter. Dust shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Cook shrimp quickly until they turn blush pink and become translucent. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Sauce

• Parmesan cheese
• Cracked black pepper
• Cajun spice blend
• Smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes

Simmer sauce until it thickens beautifully.

Step 5: Bring Flavors Together

Introduce cooked pasta to the creamy sauce. Gently toss until every strand is luxuriously coated. Fold in seared beef and sautéed shrimp, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the dish. Add an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and savor the explosion of Cajun-inspired flavors.

Tips Before Cooking Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta

• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushiness, ensuring the perfect texture in your dish.
• Meat Mastery: Let steak rest after cooking to help juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful protein.
• Seafood Searing: Cook shrimp quickly over medium heat to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Sauce Smoothness: Whisk Alfredo sauce constantly to prevent separation and create a silky, creamy consistency that coats pasta evenly.
• Spice Balance: Adjust Cajun seasoning to personal heat preference, starting with less and adding more to control the dish's spiciness.

Store Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta and sauce together for maximum flavor preservation.
• Place the container in the refrigerator, where the dish will stay fresh for 3-4 days without losing its delicious taste.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy consistency and prevent drying out.
• Skip microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the pasta tough and separate the sauce, compromising the original texture and flavor.

Serve Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta With This

• Select robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the spicy Cajun flavors and rich protein elements of the dish.
• Choose hoppy IPAs or amber ales that can cut through the creamy Alfredo sauce and match the bold Cajun seasoning's heat profile.
• Mix spicy margaritas with tequila, lime juice, and a Cajun-spice rim to enhance the dish's zesty undertones and provide a cooling contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness, adding a fresh, peppery element that cleanses the palate between bites.

Variations for Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta Fans

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace steak and shrimp with grilled portobello mushrooms and crispy tofu, seasoned with Cajun spices for a hearty plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta like chickpea or rice noodles, ensuring all seasonings are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, maintaining the rich Alfredo sauce and Cajun protein for a lighter meal.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Create a cashew-based Alfredo sauce using soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, and almond milk, paired with your favorite dairy-free protein options.

FAQs on Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta

• What makes Cajun seasoning special in this recipe?

Cajun seasoning adds a bold, spicy kick to both the steak and shrimp, creating a zesty flavor profile that elevates the traditional Alfredo pasta.

• Can I use a different type of protein instead of steak and shrimp?

Yes, you can substitute with chicken or even use just one protein type. The Cajun seasoning works well with various meats, allowing flexibility in the recipe.

• Is this dish very spicy?

The spice level is moderate due to Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. You can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing these spices to suit your taste preference.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this recipe?

This recipe is beginner-friendly. It requires basic cooking techniques like sautéing, making a simple sauce, and combining ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks with minimal experience.

Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta Rundown

• Combines spicy Cajun seasoning with creamy Alfredo sauce, creating a bold and irresistible taste profile that satisfies multiple cravings in one bite.
• Featuring both succulent shrimp and tender steak, this recipe delivers a protein-packed meal that keeps you full and energized.
• Minimizes cleanup with a single skillet cooking method, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal dish washing.

Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun shrimp and steak alfredo pasta delivers a bold fusion of southern flavors and creamy indulgence. Hearty protein, zesty seasonings, and rich sauce combine for a memorable dinner that satisfies deep hunger and culinary cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces (226 grams) steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet), sliced into strips

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Cajun seasoning (divided)
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt (for boiling water)
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) black pepper
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) Cajun seasoning (optional, for extra spice)
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Dairy and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 4 tablespoons (60 grams) butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• ½ cup (50 grams) shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Immerse pasta and cook until it reaches perfect al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Ignite a large skillet with olive oil over robust medium-high heat. Lavishly coat steak with Cajun seasoning, searing each side for approximately 2-3 minutes to achieve desired doneness. Transfer steak to a waiting plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet, melting butter and introducing shrimp. Dust with Cajun seasoning, allowing them to dance in the pan until transforming to a vibrant pink and becoming translucent. Carefully relocate shrimp from the pan.
4. Within the same culinary vessel, melt butter and introduce minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence. Pour heavy cream, whisking until achieving a silky consistency. Incorporate Parmesan, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken gracefully.
5. Cascade the drained pasta into the velvety Alfredo sauce, ensuring each strand is elegantly coated. Gently fold in the seared steak and succulent shrimp, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
6. Crown the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, presenting a masterpiece of Cajun-inspired indulgence.

Notes

• Customize Cajun seasoning intensity by adjusting red pepper flakes and spice blend for personal heat preference.
• Choose high-quality steak cuts like ribeye or sirloin for tender, flavorful protein that absorbs Cajun seasonings perfectly.
• Prevent shrimp from overcooking by watching color change and removing immediately when turning pink and opaque to maintain juicy texture.
• Create dairy-free version by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for similar creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 830 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 73 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg