Indulge in a rich and flavorful Cajun Shrimp Steak Alfredo Pasta, combining tender steak, succulent shrimp, and creamy Alfredo sauce. This dish is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
Pasta
1lbfettuccine pasta
2tbspolive oil(for pasta water)
Salt(for pasta water)
Steak
1.5lbssteak (ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip, 1-inch thick)
2tbspolive oil(for searing steak)
2tbspunsalted butter(for basting steak)
2tspCajun seasoning blend
1tspsmoked paprika(optional)
0.5tspgarlic powder
to tasteSalt and freshly ground black pepper(for steak)
Shrimp
1lblarge raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1tbspolive oil(for searing shrimp)
1tbspunsalted butter(for shrimp)
1.5tspCajun seasoning blend(for shrimp)
0.5tsponion powder
to tasteSalt and freshly ground black pepper(for shrimp)
Alfredo Sauce
4tbspunsalted butter(for sauce)
4clovesgarlic, minced
0.5cupfinely diced yellow onion(optional)
2cupsheavy cream(full-fat)
1cupfreshly grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
0.5cupfreshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese(optional)
0.25tspground nutmeg
to tasteSalt and freshly ground black pepper(for sauce)
0.25to 0.5reserved pasta water(for thinning sauce)
Garnish
0.5cupdiced red bell pepper(optional garnish)
0.5cupdiced green bell pepper(optional garnish)
0.25cupchopped fresh parsley(for garnish)
Extra grated Parmesan cheese(for serving)
Red pepper flakes(for an extra kick (optional))
Instructions
Pat steak dry. Combine 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp smoked paprika (if using), and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Season steak generously with this blend, salt, and pepper.
Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high with 2 tbsp olive oil. Sear steak 3-4 min per side for medium-rare/medium. Reduce heat, add 2 tbsp butter, and baste steak for 1-2 min. Rest steak on a cutting board for 5-10 min, then slice against the grain.
Pat shrimp dry. Toss with 1.5 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a clean skillet over medium-high. Sear shrimp 1-2 min per side until pink and opaque. Add 1 tbsp butter, cook until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Gradually whisk in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan and 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano (if using) until melted and smooth. Stir in 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm over very low heat.
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add 2 tbsp olive oil. Cook 1 lb fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 to 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta thoroughly (do not rinse).
Transfer hot, drained pasta directly to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat. Fold in sliced Cajun steak and seared Cajun shrimp. If needed, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired sauce consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preferred level of spiciness.