Description
Surf and Turf Cajun Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients
For the steak:
1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the shrimp:
1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Alfredo sauce:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp black pepper
For the pasta:
300g fettuccine or linguine
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the steak:
Season the steak with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust to your preferred doneness. Remove from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, and slice thinly.
Cook the shrimp:
Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in the same skillet and sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Set aside.
Make the pasta:
Cook the fettuccine in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Alfredo sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Add Cajun seasoning and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Assemble the dish:
Toss the cooked pasta in the Alfredo sauce until well-coated. Plate the pasta and top with sliced steak and shrimp.
Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish and serve hot.
This decadent surf-and-turf Cajun Alfredo pasta is the perfect fusion of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can enjoy at home!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed sequence for a perfectly timed meal. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. As it heats, season and sear your steak. After resting the steak, use the same skillet to cook the shrimp, building flavor. Start cooking the pasta so it finishes as you make the sauce. For the Alfredo, keep the heat at medium to prevent the cream from scalding and add the Parmesan off the heat, whisking constantly for a smooth emulsion. Finally, slice the steak, toss the pasta in the sauce, and assemble immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Plate this rich pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the steak and shrimp. A light, crisp side balances the dish perfectly. Consider a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus. For wine, a buttery Chardonnay complements the cream sauce, while a hoppy IPA can stand up to the Cajun spices. Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added color and heat.
How-to Summary
To make Surf and Turf Cajun Alfredo Pasta: 1) Sear a Cajun-seasoned steak and set aside to rest. 2) Sauté shrimp with Cajun seasoning in the same pan. 3) Cook fettuccine. 4) In the skillet, make a sauce with butter, garlic, cream, Parmesan, and Cajun seasoning. 5) Toss pasta with sauce, top with sliced steak and shrimp, and garnish with parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak? Yes. While ribeye offers great marbling, sirloin is leaner. Flat iron or flank steak are excellent, budget-friendly alternatives; just be sure to slice thinly against the grain.
How can I make the sauce less thick? If your Alfredo sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water, which helps it cling to the noodles better than plain water or milk.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? A combination of half-and-half and a tablespoon of cream cheese can substitute, though the sauce will be slightly less rich and may require more careful simmering to thicken.
How do I adjust the spice level? Control the heat by using a mild or hot Cajun seasoning blend. You can also start with half the seasoning in the sauce, taste, and add more gradually.
Can I prepare any components ahead? You can season the steak and shrimp, and grate the cheese ahead of time. However, for best results, cook and assemble the dish just before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Adding Cheese to Boiling Sauce: Adding Parmesan to a vigorously boiling sauce can cause it to clump or become greasy. Remove the skillet from heat or turn it very low before whisking in the cheese.
- Not Resting the Steak: Slicing the steak immediately causes the juices to run out. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to ensure it stays juicy.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated Parmesan integrates seamlessly into the sauce.
Conclusion
This Surf and Turf Cajun Alfredo Pasta masterfully combines luxurious ingredients with bold, accessible flavors. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you can consistently create an impressive, restaurant-worthy dinner at home. The key lies in the harmony of the creamy, spiced sauce with the succulent steak and shrimp. It’s a special-occasion dish that is surprisingly straightforward to execute, guaranteed to become a celebrated favorite in your culinary repertoire.