Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta
Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta is a dish that tantalizes your taste buds with a perfect blend of savory flavors and creamy textures. This recipe is a step-by-step guide to creating a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Imagine succulent shrimp and tender steak combined with rich Alfredo sauce clinging to al dente penne pasta; it’s a dish that warms your heart and satisfies your hunger. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this dish brings a little excitement to your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to love this Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta! One of the standout benefits is the easy prep. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it makes cooking less daunting and more enjoyable. This recipe is incredibly family-friendly, pleasing even the pickiest eaters with its rich flavors and delightful textures. Additionally, it’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet charming enough for entertaining guests, allowing you to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. Finally, the ingredients come together to create a delicious, creamy sauce that enhances the shrimp and steak perfectly—a dish that feels indulgent without requiring much effort.
Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta
- 1 pound boneless sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
These ingredients come together in harmony, generating a symphony of flavors. The tender sirloin steak and juicy shrimp are perfectly seasoned with a kick from the cayenne pepper and paprika. Meanwhile, the creamy Alfredo sauce, enriched with Parmesan, coats each piece of pasta beautifully, ensuring every bite is delectable.
Step-by-Step Directions for Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta
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Cook the Penne Pasta: Start by cooking the penne pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Season the Steak: In a bowl, mix together the paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and black pepper. Rub this flavorful spice blend onto the thinly sliced sirloin steak.
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Cook the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it’s browned and cooked to your preference. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
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Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and season the peeled and deveined shrimp with any remaining spices. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
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Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, additional garlic powder, and black pepper. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently until it is smooth and heated through.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked penne pasta to the saucepan with the creamy sauce, stirring well to coat the pasta evenly. Then, mix in the cooked steak and shrimp until everything is combined and heated through.
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Serve: Dish out the pasta onto plates, garnishing with extra grated Parmesan and a dash of black pepper for added flavor. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
To elevate your Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for a bright zing. If you enjoy a little extra spice, toss in some diced jalapeños or use a spicier variant of paprika. Leftover cheeses can be combined and sprinkled on top for an even richer taste. If you’re looking for convenience, pre-cooked shrimp can save you additional prep time, just be mindful not to overcook them when reheating.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad for contrast and freshness. A selection of garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks would be a delightful addition to soak up that luscious Alfredo sauce. For drinks, a refreshing iced tea or a sparkling water with a hint of lemon balances the richness of the meal wonderfully. Consider a light dessert like lemon sorbet to cleanse your palate afterward.
Nutritional Information
While indulging in this Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta, a single serving will typically contain around 600-700 calories, depending on portion size and toppings. The shrimp provides a good source of protein, while the pasta offers carbohydrates for energy. The use of milk and cheese contributes calcium, making this dish just a tad indulgent while still delivering nutrients.
Storing Tips & Variations for Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta
Leftover Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet, adding a splash of milk to help restore the creamy texture. For those looking for healthier options, you can swap out regular pasta for whole grain or even zucchini noodles.
Conclusion for Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta
You won’t want to miss out on trying this Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta recipe. It’s a delightful combination of flavors that brings excitement to the dinner table, whether it’s a cozy family meal or a lovely gathering with friends. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure that promises not just satisfaction, but joy in every bite!
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is great for this recipe, feel free to use any pasta you enjoy, such as fettuccine, linguine, or even gluten-free options.
2. What kind of shrimp should I use?
Opt for fresh or frozen shrimp, either works well. Just ensure they are peeled and deveined for convenience.
3. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Just prepare the dish as directed, let it cool, and portion it out into airtight containers for easy meals throughout the week.
4. Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms would make wonderful additions to the dish, enhancing both flavor and nutrition.
5. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can be adjusted based on personal preference. Feel free to reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it for a milder flavor, or add more if you enjoy a spicy kick!
Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until it's al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix together the paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and black pepper. Rub this flavorful spice blend onto the thinly sliced sirloin steak.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it's browned and cooked to your preference. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and season the peeled and deveined shrimp with any remaining spices. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
- In a saucepan, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, additional garlic powder, and black pepper. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently until it is smooth and heated through.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the saucepan with the creamy sauce, stirring well to coat the pasta evenly. Then, mix in the cooked steak and shrimp until everything is combined and heated through.
- Dish out the pasta onto plates, garnishing with extra grated Parmesan and a dash of black pepper for added flavor. Enjoy!
