There’s something so comforting about a bowl of creamy Alfredo pasta, but when you add juicy Cajun steak and plump shrimp, it turns into an unforgettable dinner.
This recipe brings a little restaurant magic to your home kitchen—without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is my go-to when I want to impress but don’t want to stress.
It’s indulgent, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make.
I love the contrast between the smoky Cajun spice and the buttery Alfredo sauce—it’s rich, cozy, and deeply satisfying.
Whether it’s date night or a family meal, this pasta always wins hearts.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Steak & Shrimp: The ultimate surf-and-turf combo.
Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin works best for quick searing.
Cajun Seasoning: Adds a bold kick that brings everything to life.
Heavy Cream & Parmesan: The base for a classic Alfredo sauce—creamy, cheesy, and decadent.
Garlic & Butter: Builds flavor in every bite.
Fettuccine or Penne: Both hold the sauce well. Choose your favorite pasta shape!
Pro Tips Before You Start
Cook your pasta just to al dente—so it doesn’t get mushy when tossed with the sauce.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook quickly and stay tender if watched closely.
Reserve some pasta water—it’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce texture.
How to Make Cajun Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook until al dente.
Drain, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Steak
Toss steak slices with Cajun seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the steak for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned.
Transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
In the same pan, add more olive oil if needed.
Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes, flipping halfway, until pink and opaque.
Set aside.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Melt butter in the skillet. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Slowly stir in the Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Season with Cajun spice (optional), salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the pasta to the sauce, tossing until well coated.
Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick.
Gently fold in the steak and shrimp.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice if desired.
What to Serve It With
A simple green salad with vinaigrette
Garlic bread or crusty baguette
Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus
A glass of white wine or iced tea
Variations / Substitutions
Use chicken instead of steak for a lighter version.
Swap shrimp for scallops or leave out for a beef-only pasta.
Try gluten-free pasta to make it more allergy-friendly.
Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Avoid microwaving shrimp too long to keep them from becoming rubbery.
Not recommended for freezing due to the cream sauce texture.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the protein and sauce earlier, but it’s best assembled fresh for the creamiest texture.
How spicy is Cajun seasoning?
It has a mild to moderate kick. You can control the heat by using less or a mild blend.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, just warm them through in the skillet instead of fully cooking.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free pasta and check seasoning labels to adjust.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms go great in this dish.
What kind of Parmesan should I use?
Always go for freshly grated Parmesan—it melts better and has superior flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is everything I crave in one bowl—comforting, creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, it delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
I hope it brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine.
Cajun Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente.
- Drain, reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- Season steak with Cajun seasoning. Sear in olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side. Set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté shrimp until pink and cooked through. Remove.
- Melt butter, sauté garlic, then add cream and bring to simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan until smooth. Season.
- Toss pasta with sauce. Add steak and shrimp. Stir gently to combine.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/cajun-steak-and-shrimp-alfredo-pasta/
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
- For extra richness, add 2 tbsp cream cheese to the sauce.
- Works well with linguine or spaghetti too.
My name is Isabella, and this space was born from years of stirring sauces at sunset, baking cookies while the kids played on the porch, and finding comfort in a homemade meal after long, busy days. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home.