Cajun Shrimp And Steak Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Irresistible Cajun Shrimp And Steak Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Creamy cajun shrimp and steak alfredo pasta promises a culinary adventure that will spark excitement at your dinner table.

Spicy seasonings dance across tender meat and succulent seafood, creating a vibrant medley of flavors.

Our recipe blends southern charm with Italian comfort, making each bite a delightful surprise.

Robust cajun spices infuse the dish with warmth and depth, complementing the rich alfredo sauce perfectly.

Skilled home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality meal in under thirty minutes.

Thick pasta noodles capture every droplet of sauce, ensuring maximum flavor in each forkful.

You’ll want to savor every incredible moment of this mouthwatering meal that brings restaurant magic straight to your kitchen.

Everything You Need For Cajun Shrimp And Steak Alfredo Pasta

For the Protein:
  • Beef Strips: Tender cuts that provide a hearty and rich flavor to the dish.
  • Shrimp: Succulent seafood that adds a delicate and sweet taste to the recipe.
For the Base:
  • Fettuccine: Classic pasta that serves as the perfect canvas for the creamy sauce.
For the Sauce Components:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth base for the alfredo sauce.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps develop a velvety texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp and salty depth to the creamy sauce.
For the Seasonings:
  • Cajun Seasoning: Delivers a spicy and robust flavor profile to both protein and dish.
  • Garlic: Offers a pungent and aromatic element to enhance the overall taste.
  • Olive Oil: Helps in searing the proteins and adding a subtle underlying flavor.
For the Garnish:
  • Parsley: Adds a fresh and bright finishing touch to the dish.
For the Pantry Staples:
  • Salt: Enhances the overall seasoning of the recipe.

How To Cook Cajun Shrimp And Steak Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring the water to a vigorous boil. Drop in the fettuccine and cook until it’s perfectly tender, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season Protein

Generously coat beef strips and shrimp with zesty cajun seasoning, making sure every piece is evenly and thoroughly covered.

Step 3: Sear Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook beef strips until they’re beautifully golden brown and reach medium doneness, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate and let rest.

Step 4: Cook Shrimp

In the same skillet, quickly cook shrimp until they turn a lovely pink and curl slightly, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside with the beef.

Step 5: Sauté Garlic

Lower the heat and melt butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant and turns a light golden color, about 1 minute.

Step 6: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer and gradually whisk in parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes silky smooth.

Step 7: Combine Proteins

Gently return the cooked beef and shrimp to the alfredo sauce, tossing to ensure everything is evenly coated and warmed through.

Step 8: Mix Pasta and Sauce

Combine the protein-rich sauce with the prepared fettuccine, making sure each strand is luxuriously covered in the creamy mixture.

Step 9: Garnish and Finish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish and add an extra dash of cajun seasoning for a flavor explosion.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate immediately while piping hot, allowing the rich and spicy alfredo to dance on your taste buds.

Helpful Tips For Cajun Shrimp And Steak Alfredo Pasta

  • Protein Perfection: Pat beef strips and shrimp dry before seasoning to ensure better searing and prevent excess moisture during cooking.
  • Pasta Timing: Cook fettuccine just shy of package instructions to maintain a firm al dente texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
  • Sauce Smoothness: Whisk parmesan cheese slowly and steadily to prevent clumping and create a silky, uniform alfredo sauce.
  • Avoid Overcooking: Watch shrimp carefully during sautéing – they're done when they turn pink and slightly curl, which prevents rubbery texture.

Tasty Variations Of Cajun Shrimp And Steak Alfredo Pasta

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace beef and shrimp with grilled portobello mushrooms and plant-based shrimp alternatives, maintaining the cajun seasoning and creamy alfredo sauce for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute fettuccine with roasted cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles, keeping the protein and sauce while reducing carbohydrate content.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta or chickpea pasta instead of traditional fettuccine, and ensure all seasonings and ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
  • Spice Level Adjustment: Modify cajun seasoning intensity by using mild spice blends for those with lower heat tolerance or adding extra red pepper flakes for spice enthusiasts.

What To Pair With Cajun Shrimp And Steak Alfredo Pasta

  • Perfectly Pair Cajun Surf and Turf Fettuccine Alfredo
  • Uncork Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to cut through the rich, creamy sauce and complement the seafood's delicate flavors.
  • Balance with Fresh Side Salad: Create a light mixed greens salad with citrus vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast against the heavy, spicy pasta dish and cleanse the palate.
  • Enhance with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted artisan bread with herb butter to soak up the luxurious alfredo sauce and add textural variety to the meal.
  • Complement with Spicy Appetizer: Prepare jalapeño poppers or spicy chicken wings to echo the cajun seasoning's heat and build excitement before the main course.

How To Store Cajun Shrimp And Steak Alfredo Pasta Right

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta and sauce are tightly sealed to prevent moisture loss.
  • Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months. Separate pasta and sauce if possible to maintain better texture when reheating.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Avoid overheating to prevent sauce separation.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding small splash of cream or butter to restore sauce's creamy consistency.

Cajun Shrimp And Steak Alfredo Pasta Questions Answered

  • What makes cajun seasoning special?

Cajun seasoning is a bold spice blend typically featuring paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, which adds deep, spicy flavor and warmth to proteins like beef and shrimp.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

While fettuccine works perfectly, you can substitute with linguine or pappardelle, which have similar wide, flat shapes that hold creamy sauces exceptionally well.

  • How do I know when shrimp is properly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn from translucent to pink and curl into a loose “C” shape, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side at medium-high heat.

Why Cajun Shrimp And Steak Alfredo Pasta Is So Bold And Creamy

  • Savor Protein-Packed Perfection: Indulge in a luxurious combination of tender beef and succulent shrimp that transforms a classic alfredo into a hearty, protein-rich meal.
  • Master Spicy Cajun Flair: Elevate your cooking skills with bold cajun seasoning that adds a vibrant kick and exciting depth to every single bite of this restaurant-quality dish.
  • Create One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by using a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor through strategic layering of ingredients and sauces.
  • Impress Dinner Guests: Craft a sophisticated meal that looks and tastes like a gourmet restaurant preparation, yet can be easily prepared in your own kitchen with minimal culinary expertise.
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Cajun Shrimp And Steak Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Cajun Shrimp And Steak Alfredo Pasta Recipe


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4.5 from 16 reviews

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

Description

Cajun shrimp and steak alfredo pasta brings together bold Louisiana spices and creamy Italian comfort. Sizzling proteins mingle with velvety sauce, creating a rich culinary journey that satisfies deep cravings and promises delicious memories for you.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 lb beef steak, cut into strips

Pasta and Dairy:

  • 1 lb fettuccine pasta
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup butter

Seasoning and Aromatics:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil, then cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  2. Season beef strips and shrimp generously with cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor intensity.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear beef strips until beautifully browned and cooked to medium doneness, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and let rest.
  4. In the same skillet, quickly sauté shrimp until they turn pink and become slightly curled, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside with the beef.
  5. Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the skillet, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, roughly 1 minute.
  6. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously, and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  7. Incorporate cooked beef and shrimp back into the alfredo sauce, gently tossing to coat and warm through.
  8. Combine the protein-laden sauce with prepared fettuccine, ensuring each pasta strand is luxuriously covered.
  9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of cajun seasoning for an extra flavor punch.
  10. Serve immediately while hot, allowing the rich, spicy alfredo to tantalize taste buds.

Notes

  • Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for a healthier or dietary-restricted version that maintains the dish’s delicious flavor profile.
  • Reduce cream and cheese quantities for a lighter alfredo sauce, or substitute with Greek yogurt and lower-fat cheese options to cut down on calories.
  • Experiment with protein variations like chicken or plant-based alternatives such as tofu or tempeh for those seeking different protein sources or vegetarian adaptations.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting cajun seasoning amount, allowing individuals with varying heat tolerances to customize the dish’s intensity without compromising its core taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 1095
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 1025 mg
  • Fat: 68 g
  • Saturated Fat: 35 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 84 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 54 g
  • Cholesterol: 280 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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