This Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta combines tender steak, juicy shrimp, and creamy Alfredo sauce, all seasoned with bold Cajun flavors. It’s a hearty and indulgent dish perfect for a special dinner or when you’re craving comfort food with a kick!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Cajun Flavors – A perfect blend of spice and creaminess.
- Surf & Turf Combo – Tender steak and juicy shrimp in one dish.
- Creamy Alfredo Sauce – Rich, cheesy, and full of flavor.
- Perfect for Special Occasions – A show-stopping meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- Steak – 1 lb, cut into cubes (Ribeye or Sirloin works best).
- Extra virgin olive oil – ½ cup + 1 tbsp, divided.
- Soy sauce – ¼ cup.
- Worcestershire sauce – ¼ cup.
- Garlic powder – 1 tbsp.
- Cajun seasoning – 1 tbsp.
- Hot sauce – 1 tbsp.
- Brown sugar – 1 tbsp.
- Ground black pepper – 1 tsp.
- Butter – 2 tbsp.
- Garlic cloves – 2, minced.
- Crushed red chili pepper flakes – ⅛ – ¼ tsp (optional for heat).
For the Pasta:
- Salt – ½ tsp.
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp.
- Penne pasta – 1 lb.
For the Shrimp:
- Shrimp – 10 oz, peeled and deveined.
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp.
- Cajun seasoning – 1 tbsp.
- Salt & pepper – Pinch of each.
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- Unsalted butter – ½ cup.
- Cream cheese – 4 oz, softened.
- Heavy cream – 2 cups (1 pint).
- Cajun seasoning – 1 tbsp.
- Salt – ½ tsp, or to taste.
- Black pepper – ½ tsp, or to taste.
- Parmesan cheese – 1½ cups, freshly grated.
Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below!
How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
- Place steak cubes in a Ziploc bag.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper.
- Pour marinade over the steak in the bag. Seal and refrigerate for 6-8 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water. Add ½ tsp salt and 1 tbsp olive oil. Bring to a boil.
- Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook, stirring, until pink (2-3 minutes).
- Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Steak
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove steak from marinade and cook in a single layer for 2-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned.
- Add butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Step 5: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat.
- Add cream cheese and cook until softened.
- Pour in heavy cream and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes, whisking occasionally.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Assemble the Pasta
- Add cooked penne pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat.
- Stir in the cooked steak and shrimp.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning if desired.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Fresh Parmesan – For the creamiest Alfredo sauce.
- Adjust the Heat – Add more red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – It cooks quickly and can become rubbery.
- Marinate the Steak Overnight – For maximum flavor.
How to Serve
- With Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- With a Side Salad – A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the richness.
- As a Main Dish – Hearty and satisfying on its own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
- Stovetop – Reheat over low heat with a splash of cream.
- Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Freezing
It’s best to enjoy fresh, but you can freeze the Alfredo sauce separately for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Fettuccine, linguine, or rigatoni work great.
Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely! Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and Cajun seasoning.
Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes, grilled chicken is a great alternative.
This Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavor-packed dish that combines the best of land and sea. It’s perfect for a special dinner or when you want to treat yourself to something indulgent!
PrintCajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Cajun Fusion
Description
This Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, blending the bold flavors of Cajun-spiced steak and shrimp with creamy, rich Alfredo sauce. Perfectly cooked penne pasta serves as the base, while tender steak and juicy shrimp are tossed in a luscious, cheesy Cajun Alfredo sauce. A hearty, indulgent dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your table!
Ingredients
For the Steak Marinade
- 1 lb. steak (Ribeye or Sirloin), cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/8 – 1/4 tsp crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pasta
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb. penne pasta
For the Shrimp
- 10 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed if frozen)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
For the Alfredo Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak Marinade
- Marinate the Steak
Place steak cubes in a Ziploc bag. In a bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper. Pour the marinade over the steak, seal the bag, and refrigerate for 6-8 hours or overnight. - Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water, add ½ tsp salt and 1 tbsp olive oil, and bring to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Cook the Shrimp
- Season and Sauté
In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the shrimp, stirring constantly, until pink and cooked through (about 2-3 minutes). Remove shrimp and set aside. - Cook the Steak
-
Sear the Steak
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Remove steak from the marinade and add to the skillet in a single layer. Sear for 2-4 minutes until golden brown. -
Add Flavor
Add butter, minced garlic, and crushed red chili flakes (if using). Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, stirring to coat the steak. Remove from skillet and set aside. - Make the Alfredo Sauce
-
Create the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add softened cream cheese and stir until smooth. -
Add Cream and Seasonings
Pour in the heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine and bring to a gentle boil. -
Simmer and Thicken
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 8-10 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. -
Add Parmesan
Turn off the heat and stir in grated Parmesan until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. - Assemble the Dish
-
Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat. Stir in the cooked steak and shrimp, mixing until evenly distributed. -
Serve
Plate the Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Protein Options: Feel free to swap shrimp or steak with chicken or your preferred protein.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less Cajun seasoning or red chili flakes.
- Cheese Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest Alfredo sauce.
- Make Ahead: The steak can be marinated overnight, and the Alfredo sauce can be made ahead and reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 720kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
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