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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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