A rich, creamy pasta dish packed with bold Cajun flavours, juicy steak, tender shrimp, and a luscious Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1 pound boneless sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Shrimp:
- ½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
- Water and salt for boiling
Garnish (optional):
- Freshly chopped parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges (for a citrusy finish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside. Toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare and Cook the Steak:
- In a bowl, combine the sliced steak with olive oil, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the steak slices in batches (do not overcrowd) and sear until browned and cooked to your desired doneness, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Remove from the pan and set aside. Wipe the skillet if necessary.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
- Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning.
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the steak.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta into the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat well.
- Return the cooked steak and shrimp to the pan and gently mix until everything is heated through and coated in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice if you like a bright contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Pair it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Dish:
- Flavourful: The bold Cajun seasoning paired with creamy Alfredo creates a perfect balance of spice and richness.
- Satisfying: With juicy steak, succulent shrimp, and hearty pasta, it’s a filling, protein-packed meal.
- Elegant but Easy: It looks and tastes like a restaurant dish but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner.