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