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Every time I make this Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta, I am transported back to my childhood kitchen, where the warm aroma of spices filled the air and laughter echoed around the table. It takes me back to those Sunday family dinners that were more than just meals; they were gatherings filled with love, stories, and the wonderful comfort of good food. The combination of tender steak, succulent shrimp, and creamy Alfredo sauce over pasta warms my heart, and I know once you try it, you’ll experience that same warmth and joy!
Now, let’s dive into how to create this wonderful dish. Together, we’ll make a meal that dazzles not just the taste buds but also brings families together. So, grab your apron, and let’s make some memories in the kitchen!
Ingredients:
To make this dish special, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to create a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 pound boneless sirloin steak, thinly sliced – The sirloin gives you that perfect blend of tenderness and flavor. You could also use chicken or shrimp if that’s your preference!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Essential for cooking your steak and shrimp, it adds a delightful richness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – This adds a nice smoky flavor that’s essential for Cajun dishes.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper – If you’re like me and love a little kick, don’t skimp on this!
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Just one of those ingredients that makes everything taste better, adding depth to your dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – A dash of this is a must!
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined – Fresh shrimp make a world of difference in this recipe. You can use frozen shrimp too, just make sure they’re thawed!
- 1 cup milk – This forms the creamy base of your Alfredo sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – This is the magic that makes your sauce wonderfully cheesy and creamy.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano – Oregano complements the shrimp beautifully.
- 1 pound penne pasta – I love using penne because it holds onto the sauce perfectly.
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup – Yes, this is a little shortcut; it creates an incredibly smooth and rich sauce!
You know how sometimes you have a dish that just makes everything feel right? This is one of those recipes for me. I love adding fresh herbs like rosemary to the steak or sometimes even a squeeze of lemon to the shrimp for balance. You can always customize this dish to fit your tastes!
How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta
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Cook the Pasta: First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your penne pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Trust me, this step is crucial because you want your pasta to be hearty enough to handle all that delightful sauce! Once cooked, drain it and set it aside.
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Season the Steak and Shrimp: While your pasta is cooking, grab a medium-sized bowl. Combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk this together until it’s all well mixed. Now, take your sliced sirloin steak and shrimp. Coat them in this mixture so they absorb all that fabulous flavor.
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Cook the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your seasoned steak. You’ll want to grill or sauté it for about 3-4 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be nothing short of heavenly! Once cooked, transfer the steak to a plate and cover it to keep it warm.
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Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and toss in the seasoned shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. You can’t beat the smell of shrimp cooking up in all those spices!
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Make the Alfredo Sauce: Now, let’s create that dreamy sauce. In the same skillet, you’re going to add 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup of milk. Stir it together until it’s well combined. Don’t forget to scrape the bottom of the pan to get all those tasty bits! Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir this sauce over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes until it thickens beautifully.
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Combine Steak and Shrimp with Sauce: Once your sauce has thickened up nicely, add the cooked steak and shrimp back into the skillet. This is where all the flavors blend together. Toss everything to coat and let it simmer for just a minute.
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Toss with Pasta: Finally, it’s time for the star of the show—the pasta! Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in that luscious sauce.
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Serve and Enjoy: Plate your Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta and dig in. I promise you, this dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience you’ll cherish.
Why I Love Making This Dish
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What makes Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta so special to me is the memories it brings. Cooking for my family is a labor of love, and this recipe always seems to be a showstopper! I’m reminded of the smiles on my loved ones’ faces as they gather at the table, savoring each bite. It’s one of those recipes that not only fills the belly but also warms the heart.
Tips for Perfect Results
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs and produce. Fresh shrimp has a taste that frozen can’t beat!
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Don’t Rush the Sauce: Let your sauce simmer properly to enhance its flavors. Trust me; you’ll notice the difference!
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Taste As You Go: Always taste your sauce before serving to adjust any seasoning to your liking.
Serving Suggestions and Sides
I love pairing this dish with a simple side salad drizzled with olive oil and vinegar. A nice crusty piece of garlic bread is also perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce! Sometimes, I even whip up some roasted veggies—like asparagus or Brussels sprouts—on the side to balance the meal beautifully.
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Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, you’re in for a treat! Simply store any uneaten pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, you can warm it on the stove over medium heat or pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes. Just add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce a bit, and you’re good to go!
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FAQ Section
Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Absolutely! I’ve made this dish with chicken many times and it turns out just as delicious. You can even mix different proteins if you’d like!
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Is it okay to use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work just fine! Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly for even cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add your cooked proteins and pasta when you’re ready to serve.
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In conclusion, this Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta has become a beloved staple in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to try it. I know that once you make it, this dish will bring warmth, joy, and perhaps a few happy tears to your dining table, just as it does to mine. You’re going to love how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes. Share your experiences with me; I can’t wait to hear all about it!
Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless sirloin steak, thinly sliced Can substitute with chicken or shrimp.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Essential for cooking the steak and shrimp.
- 1 teaspoon paprika Adds smoky flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust according to spice preference.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Enhances flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper A dash adds flavor.
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined Fresh is preferred; frozen should be thawed.
- 1 cup milk Forms the creamy base for the sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For cheesy and creamy sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano Complements shrimp nicely.
- 1 pound penne pasta Ideal for holding sauce.
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup Shortcut for smooth sauce.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Seasoning the Steak and Shrimp
- In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk until mixed.
- Coat the sliced sirloin steak and shrimp in the mixture.
Cooking the Steak
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the seasoned steak. Grill or sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until done to your liking. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Cooking the Shrimp
- In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed and cook the seasoned shrimp for 2-3 minutes, until pink and cooked through.
Making the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the canned cream of mushroom soup and milk, and stir until well combined.
- Add Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Stir over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Combining and Serving
- Add the cooked steak and shrimp back into the sauce, mix well and simmer for a minute.
- Add cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
- Plate and serve your Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta hot.