Looking to impress with minimal effort? Want a weeknight dinner that feels like a five-star meal without spending hours in the kitchen? This Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta is everything your dinner routine has been missing. Creamy, rich Alfredo sauce coats perfectly cooked fettuccine, while seared ribeye steak and juicy shrimp bring that bold Cajun heat in every bite.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or simply indulging in your love of good food, this dish delivers flavor, satisfaction, and flexibility.
1. Why This Dish Is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another Alfredo pasta recipe—it’s a flavor-packed experience.
Here’s what makes it special:
✅ Two Proteins, One Pot of Flavor: The combination of shrimp and steak means every bite is different—and delicious.
✅ Cajun Kick: The spice blend elevates the creaminess, keeping it from feeling too heavy.
✅ Perfect for Weeknights or Special Occasions: It cooks fast but feels gourmet.
✅ Customizable: Make it spicy, keep it mild, go low-carb, or use gluten-free pasta.
✅ Meal Prep Friendly: It stores and reheats beautifully.
2. The Story Behind the Flavor Fusion
At its core, this dish is a mashup of Southern Cajun flavors and classic Italian Alfredo pasta. It borrows the searing and seasoning techniques from Louisiana cuisine while embracing the luxurious creaminess of Northern Italy’s Alfredo.
By bringing shrimp and steak together, you create a surf-and-turf comfort food that’s as rich in flavor as it is in texture.
3. Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why They Matter)
🥩 Protein:
- Ribeye Steak (1 lb) – Rich and marbled, perfect for searing. Sub: sirloin or flank steak.
- Large Shrimp (1 lb) – Deveined and peeled. Jumbo shrimp hold their shape and flavor well.
🌶️ Spice:
- Cajun Seasoning (1 tbsp) – Adds bold, smoky flavor. Use store-bought or make your own (see variation below).
🍝 Pasta:
- Fettuccine (12 oz) – Flat noodles hold the sauce beautifully. Sub: linguine, tagliatelle, or penne.
🧄 Aromatics & Base:
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp) – For searing the meat and shrimp.
- Butter (1 tbsp) – Adds richness and prevents burning.
- Red & Yellow Bell Peppers – Sweetness and crunch.
- Garlic (4 cloves) – Freshly minced for maximum aroma and flavor.
🥛 Sauce:
- Heavy Cream (2 cups) – The base of your Alfredo.
- Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, freshly grated) – Melts better than pre-shredded.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Simple, necessary seasonings.
🌿 Finishing Touch:
- Fresh Parsley (to garnish) – For brightness and color.
4. Step-by-Step Instructions with Pro Tips
🔥 Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Slice steak into thin strips (against the grain).
- Peel and devein shrimp.
- Dice garlic, slice peppers, and grate cheese.
Pro Tip: Dry your steak and shrimp with a paper towel before seasoning for a better sear.
🍝 Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Bring salted water to a boil.
- Cook fettuccine until al dente (about 9–10 minutes).
- Drain, drizzle with olive oil, and set aside.
🥩 Step 3: Sear the Steak
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high.
- Toss steak in half the Cajun seasoning.
- Sear for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
🍤 Step 4: Sauté the Shrimp
- Add butter and remaining oil.
- Season shrimp with remaining Cajun seasoning.
- Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink. Remove and set aside.
🫑 Step 5: Sauté Peppers and Garlic
- In the same skillet, toss in the sliced bell peppers.
- Cook for 3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add garlic, stir for another 30 seconds.
🥣 Step 6: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
🧆 Step 7: Assemble
- Return cooked fettuccine to the pan.
- Add steak and shrimp.
- Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Season to taste. Garnish with parsley.
Pro Tip: Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick.
5. How to Make It Low-Carb or Keto
If you’re cutting carbs, this dish is still totally doable:
✅ Low-Carb Swaps:
- Use zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or shirataki noodles instead of fettuccine.
- Replace heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk + cream cheese (keto hack).
- Skip the bell peppers if you’re watching natural sugars.
6. Instant Pot & One-Pot Versions
🍲 Instant Pot Version:
- Sauté steak using “Sauté” mode, then set aside.
- Do the same with shrimp.
- Add peppers, garlic, pasta, cream, 1 cup broth.
- Pressure cook on High for 6 minutes.
- Quick release, stir in cheese, and return meat.
🥘 One-Pot Version (Stovetop):
- Sear everything as above in a Dutch oven.
- Add uncooked pasta and cream with 2.5 cups of water or broth.
- Simmer, covered, until pasta is tender. Stir in cheese and combine.
7. How to Meal Prep This Dish
Want to save time during the week?
- Cook the steak, shrimp, and sauce separately.
- Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Reheat sauce gently with a splash of cream or milk.
- Cook pasta fresh when serving for best texture.
8. Storing & Reheating Leftovers Like a Pro
Storage Tips:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Do not freeze—the Alfredo sauce may separate.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Add a splash of cream and reheat gently, stirring constantly.
- Microwave: Use 50% power, stirring halfway through to prevent drying.
9. Mistakes to Avoid When Making This Pasta
❌ Overcooking Shrimp: They should be pink and just curled, not rubbery.
❌ Using Pre-shredded Cheese: It won’t melt smoothly.
❌ Burning Garlic: Add it only once peppers are partly cooked.
❌ Skipping the Cajun Seasoning: That’s the heart of the flavor.
❌ Not Tasting Before Serving: Always adjust salt, pepper, and spice.
10. Serving Ideas: What to Pair with It
🧄 Side Dishes:
- Garlic bread or cheesy biscuits
- Roasted green beans or asparagus
- Side Caesar salad
🍷 Drinks:
- White wine like Chardonnay
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Light beer or mocktail with citrus
🍮 Desserts:
- Lemon sorbet (refreshing after spicy pasta)
- Dark chocolate mousse
- Mini cheesecakes
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes! Chicken breast or thighs work perfectly with the Cajun flavor.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Use full-fat coconut milk and vegan cheese. The flavor changes but still tastes great.
Q: Is this spicy?
It has a mild kick. Use less Cajun seasoning or omit cayenne for a milder version.
12. Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Fusion (Cajun + Italian)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ribeye steak (sliced)
- 1 lb large shrimp
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 12 oz fettuccine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta until al dente; set aside.
- Sear steak with half the Cajun spice in olive oil. Remove.
- Cook shrimp in butter/oil with remaining Cajun spice. Remove.
- Sauté bell peppers and garlic.
- Add cream; simmer and stir in cheese.
- Add pasta, shrimp, and steak. Toss and serve.
13. Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 690
- Protein: 36g
- Carbs: 44g
- Fat: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Net Carbs (Low-Carb Version): 9–12g
14. Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that ticks every box—flavor, texture, convenience, and crowd-pleasing appeal—Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta is your winner. It’s comforting yet vibrant, indulgent yet easy, and completely customizable to your diet or preference.
Make it once, and this bold creamy pasta might just become your new favorite dinner.
