Description
This Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish that combines juicy shrimp and tender steak strips seasoned with Cajun spices, sautéed with colorful bell peppers and onions, all tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce and served over fettuccine pasta. It’s a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and creamy elements that makes for an indulgent yet balanced meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound of sirloin steak, sliced into thin strips
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
Pasta
- 12 ounces of fettuccine pasta
Dairy & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil, divided
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Proteins: Season both the shrimp and the steak strips evenly with Cajun seasoning to infuse them with a spicy, flavorful kick.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain well and set aside for later incorporation into the dish.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Steak: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the steak strips and sauté for 4-5 minutes or until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness, ideally medium-rare. Remove steak and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and sliced onion to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the cooked vegetables, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer to allow flavors to meld.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine Proteins and Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp and steak to the skillet, gently stirring to coat them in the Alfredo sauce. Then add the cooked pasta and toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season to Taste: Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning as desired, ensuring a balanced, flavorful dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for color and freshness, then serve the pasta hot.
Notes
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the Cajun seasoning to 1/2 tablespoon.
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less creamy.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp or steak to keep them tender and juicy.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and imparts richer flavor than pre-grated options.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently on stovetop or microwave adding a splash of cream or milk.
