Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Be sure to reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water to help thin out the Alfredo sauce later if needed.
2. Season and Cook the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Cook the Steak: Rub the steaks with olive oil and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In the same skillet, cook the steaks over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side (depending on your desired doneness). For a medium steak, the internal temperature should reach around 145°F (63°C). Once the steaks are cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them thinly against the grain.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Combine the Dish: Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. If necessary, add a splash of pasta water to help the sauce coat the noodles more easily. Once the pasta is coated, add the cooked Cajun shrimp and sliced steak to the pasta, gently mixing everything together.
6. Serve and Garnish: Divide the pasta evenly onto serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, spicy, and creamy goodness of Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta!

Tips for Perfect Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta

• Customize the Cajun Heat: If you like your food spicier, feel free to increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to both the shrimp and steak. Adjust to your preferred level of heat!
• Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp. Thaw frozen shrimp thoroughly before cooking.
• Rest the Steak: After cooking the steak, allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
• Pasta Variations: While fettuccine is the classic choice for Alfredo, you can use any pasta shape you like. Penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni would work well in this dish too.
• Make It a One-Pan Meal: To simplify cleanup, cook the shrimp, steak, and pasta in the same skillet (separately, of course), and then combine them with the sauce at the end. You can even cook the pasta in the same skillet with the sauce, adding it directly to the creamy mixture once it’s done.
• Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet with a little extra cream or broth to loosen up the sauce.

Why Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta is Perfect for Any Occasion

Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta is perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Romantic Dinners: The rich and indulgent flavors of this dish make it an excellent choice for a Valentine’s Day dinner or any special evening spent with your significant other.
• Weeknight Meals: Despite its luxurious feel, this dish is easy enough to make for a weeknight dinner, especially if you’re looking for something quick but impressive.
• Entertaining Guests: Hosting friends or family? This pasta dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious combination of steak, shrimp, and creamy Alfredo sauce that will leave everyone raving.
• Celebratory Meals: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or any other special occasion, this dish will elevate the meal and make it feel even more special.

Final Thoughts

Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta is a flavor-packed, decadent meal that brings together bold Cajun seasoning, succulent shrimp, juicy steak, and a creamy Alfredo sauce for a truly unforgettable dish. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and bold flavors, making it ideal for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or just a night of treating yourself to something amazing. So next time you’re in the mood for something rich and indulgent, whip up this creamy, spicy pasta and enjoy every satisfying bite!