
This bold, crave-worthy Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo pasta pulls together thick, creamy sauce, splashy Cajun flavors, and juicy steak and shrimp for a stick-to-your-ribs dinner. Imagine penne noodles swirling in a velvety Alfredo filled with tangy Parmesan, a touch of herby magic, and extra richness from mushroom soup. Every bite punches up with paprika, garlic, and cayenne, while bites of tender steak and plump shrimp keep things interesting and totally satisfying.
INGREDIENTS- Penne pasta: 1 lb, cooked until the noodles are just right
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, needed for getting the steak and shrimp sizzling
- Shrimp: 1 lb, cleaned up (peeled and deveined) so they're ready to go
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup grated for extra creamy goodness
- Paprika: 1½ tsp total (1 tsp for steak, ½ tsp for shrimp), brings smoky flavor and nice color
- Steak: 1 lb sirloin, boneless and cut thin for even, quick cooking
- Milk: 1 cup, helps make the Alfredo silky smooth
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: 1 (10.75 oz) can, forms the sauce base
- Black pepper: ½ tsp total (split: 1/4 tsp each for steak and shrimp), for a light kick
- Dried oregano: ¼ tsp, tosses in some herby vibes
- Cayenne pepper: ½ tsp for a spicy touch
- Garlic powder: ½ tsp for steak, ¼ tsp for shrimp, adds lots of aroma
- Step 1:
- Serve it up hot and fresh, digging in right away to enjoy that creamy, spicy kick.
- Step 2:
- Dump your pasta into the big skillet with everything. Toss things together so every noodle gets a good coating.
- Step 3:
- Slip steak and shrimp into your finished sauce, stirring around so they get coated and warm up in the creamy sauce.
- Step 4:
- In a fresh skillet, whisk together that mushroom soup, milk, cheese, oregano, extra garlic powder, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Simmer, give it the occasional stir, and let it thicken for about 15-20 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Set the shrimp aside after sautéing 'em till they're a light pink and cooked through (it only takes 3-4 minutes).
- Step 6:
- Cook your seasoned steak just how you like it, then set it aside while everything else comes together.
- Step 7:
- Rub your steak and shrimp with the seasoning mix you whipped up: olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper—get everything nice and coated.
- Step 8:
- Boil up your penne following the box directions, drain well, and set aside.
- Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge, good for up to 2 days. If it thickens up, warm gently in a pan or microwave with a splash more milk to loosen the sauce.
- Dish it up with some salad or toasty garlic bread on the side for a complete meal. Sprinkle on extra Parmesan if you're feeling it.
- Bump up the spiciness by tossing in more cayenne or putting hot sauce on the table for those who want a kick.
- Switch the steak out for chicken or go all-in with just shrimp if that's more your style.
Tips Shared by Famous Chefs
- Emeril Lagasse loves to marinate the shrimp first with olive oil, a splash of lemon, and garlic so they pop with flavor when cooked.
