Description
A flavorful and hearty meal featuring spicy Cajun-seasoned ribeye or sirloin steaks served atop creamy Alfredo pasta. This dish combines the bold spices of Cajun seasoning with the rich, silky texture of a classic Parmesan cream sauce, perfect for a satisfying dinner that impresses with both taste and presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cajun Steak:
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 1 lb total)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Alfredo Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the steak: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Rub both sides evenly with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil and butter together in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Sear the steaks for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remove from heat and let the steaks rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to preserve juices.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8–10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, cooking for 2–3 minutes to slightly thicken. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and, if desired, ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning for extra flavor. Continue to simmer until the sauce thickens to your preference. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble: Plate the creamy Alfredo pasta and top it with thinly sliced Cajun steak. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the Alfredo pasta for extra texture and nutrients.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level to make it milder or spicier.
- Letting the steak rest after cooking ensures a juicy and tender result.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best sear on the steak.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-American Fusion
