Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta: A Beginner’s Guide to Bold Flavors
Enjoy a decadent pasta dish with Cajun-seasoned steak and shrimp in a creamy Alfredo sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for beginners wanting restaurant-quality flavors. Imagine tender steak and shrimp tossed with pasta in a rich, spicy Alfredo. It’s a quick, impressive, and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling, Sauce Making
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb steak, thinly sliced
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley and red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta (The Pasta Preparation): Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 8 oz fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, ensuring they retain a slight firmness. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- Season the Steak and Shrimp (The Seasoning Sensation): Season the 1 lb thinly sliced steak and ½ lb peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning each, ensuring they are coated evenly with the flavorful spice blend.
- Cook the Steak (The Steak Searing): Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced steak and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside, allowing it to rest.
- Cook the Shrimp (The Shrimp Sautéing): In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked. Set the shrimp aside with the steak.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce (The Sauce Symphony): In a large saucepan, melt the 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, releasing their aromatic oils. Stir in the 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. Gradually whisk in the 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Combine Everything (The Flavor Fusion): Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the noodles evenly. Stir in the cooked steak and shrimp, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a harmonious dish. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little pasta water or more cream, adjusting the consistency as needed.
- Serve (The Serving Sensation): Divide the pasta between plates, ensuring each serving has an equal amount of steak and shrimp. Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired, adding a touch of freshness and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy the flavorful and satisfying dish!
Notes
- Cook steak to desired doneness.
- Cook shrimp until pink.
- Whisk sauce until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.