Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo is a luxurious and indulgent dish that combines tender, flavorful steak with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. The kick of Cajun seasoning adds a zesty, smoky heat that perfectly complements the velvety sauce, making it a standout dinner option. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a delicious homemade meal, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Steak:
- 2 boneless rib-eye or strip steaks (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or more for extra heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added smokiness)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- Salt (for pasta water)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cajun Steak
- Season the Steak: Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel to ensure a nice sear. Rub each steak with olive oil, then season generously with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides. Let the steaks rest at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Cook the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the steaks and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust time for your desired level of doneness). Once cooked, remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes.
- Slice the Steak: After the steak has rested, slice it thinly against the grain. Set it aside while you make the Alfredo sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used to cook the steaks, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant and golden brown.
- Add the Cream and Milk: Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan and Seasonings: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Cajun seasoning. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor, if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine (or your preferred pasta) and cook according to the package directions, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water to help thin the sauce if necessary.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the Steak: Once the pasta is well-coated in the sauce, gently fold in the sliced Cajun steak, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo on plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. You can also add extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for an added kick.
Serving Suggestions
To complement this rich and creamy dish, consider serving it with some of the following sides:
1. Garlic Bread
- A warm, crispy loaf of garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to mop up the extra Alfredo sauce.
2. Steamed Vegetables
- Pair the dish with a side of steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans to add some freshness and color.
3. Side Salad
- A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
Tips for Perfect Cajun Steak Alfredo
1. Choose the Right Cut of Steak
- Opt for a rib-eye or strip steak for the best balance of tenderness and flavor. These cuts sear well and stay juicy, adding great flavor to the dish.
2. Control the Spice
- If you’re not a fan of heat, you can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning in both the steak and sauce. Alternatively, if you love spice, feel free to add more seasoning to suit your taste.
3. Don’t Overcook the Steak
- For the best texture and flavor, avoid overcooking the steak. A perfect medium-rare steak should have an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C).
4. Freshly Grate the Parmesan
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated cheese, resulting in a smoother and creamier Alfredo sauce.
5. Pasta Cooking Tips
- Don’t overcook the pasta—cook it just until al dente for the best texture. Make sure to reserve pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency later.
Variations to Try
1. Cajun Chicken Alfredo
- For a lighter alternative, swap the steak for grilled chicken seasoned with Cajun spices for a similar flavor profile.
2. Shrimp Cajun Alfredo
- Add sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist. Cook the shrimp in the same skillet as the steak, adding it to the pasta along with the sauce for a delicious combination of flavors.
3. Veggie Cajun Alfredo
- For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini, adding them to the creamy Alfredo sauce for a hearty dish.
Final Thoughts on Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo
Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo is a rich, indulgent dish that combines the best of creamy pasta with the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning. The tender steak, velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta make for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something delicious, this dish will deliver on flavor and satisfaction.
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