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Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo: A Bold, Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish


  • Author: Ashley
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Description

Spice things up with Cajun shrimp and tender steak tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce. This bold, flavorful dish is a fusion of seafood and steak, making it a restaurant-quality meal right at home!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta, Shrimp, and Steak:

  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta: Fettuccine is the traditional pasta used in Alfredo dishes, and its wide surface area is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
  • 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Sweet, juicy shrimp adds a seafood twist to this rich and hearty dish.
  • 1 lb steak (such as sirloin or ribeye): Steak provides a savory, meaty element to the dish. Choose a cut that’s tender and suitable for quick cooking.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the shrimp and steak to perfection.
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning: Adds heat and smokiness to the shrimp and steak.
  • Salt and pepper: To season the shrimp, steak, and pasta.
  • 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness when cooking the steak and shrimp.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For extra flavor when seasoning the shrimp and steak.

For the Alfredo Sauce:

  • 1 cup heavy cream: The base of the Alfredo sauce, making it rich, creamy, and indulgent.
  • 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds a touch of creaminess without making the sauce too thick.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives the sauce a savory, nutty flavor and helps thicken it.
  • 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese: Adds a bit of extra creaminess and melty texture to the sauce.
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced): For a fragrant, savory depth of flavor in the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons butter: Used to create the roux for the Alfredo sauce, giving it a smooth texture.
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning: To tie the flavors together and give the sauce a subtle heat.
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a savory, sweet undertone to the sauce.
  • Salt and pepper: To taste, ensuring the sauce is properly seasoned.

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds color and a fresh, herby flavor.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: For extra heat if you like your food spicy.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: For an additional cheesy topping.
  • Lemon wedges: For a fresh burst of citrus to balance the richness of the dish.

Instructions

First Step: COOK THE PASTA

  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually around 9-11 minutes).
  2. Drain the Pasta: Once cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set the cooked pasta aside while you prepare the shrimp and steak.

Second Step: COOK THE SHRIMP AND STEAK

  1. Season the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly.
  2. Sear the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Season the Steak: Season the steak with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the steak sit for a few minutes to absorb the seasoning.
  4. Cook the Steak: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, add the steak. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C). Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

Third Step: MAKE THE CAJUN ALFREDO SAUCE

  1. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet you used for the shrimp and steak, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the butter and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter mixture, whisking constantly to form a roux. Cook for about 1 minute, allowing the flour to cook through.
  4. Add the Milk and Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken.
  5. Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, letting them melt into the sauce. Continue to stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Season the Sauce: Add Cajun seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more Cajun seasoning if you like extra heat.
  7. Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Fourth Step: Combine the Pasta, Shrimp, and Steak

  1. Add the Pasta to the Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, making sure it’s well coated. If needed, add a little pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
  2. Add the Shrimp and Steak: Gently toss the cooked shrimp and sliced steak into the pasta, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
  3. Toss Everything Together: Give everything a final toss to combine the shrimp, steak, and pasta with the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce.

Final Step: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top of the dish for a pop of color and fresh flavor. You can also add extra grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor and heat.
  2. Serve: Serve the Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo immediately, with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh burst of citrus. Pair it with a crisp, chilled white wine like Chardonnay or a light beer for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 700 kcal
  • Fat: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Protein: 45g