Creamy Cajun Steak & Shrimp Penne

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Creamy Cajun Steak & Shrimp Penne

🍽️ Servings

4–6 servings

⏱️ Prep Time

  • Prep: 15 minutes
  • Cook: 25 minutes
  • Total: 40 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

For the Steak

  • 1 lb (450 g) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Shrimp

  • 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
  • Salted water for boiling

For the Creamy Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • ½ cup diced red bell pepper
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

  • Boil penne in salted water until al dente.
  • Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Cook the Steak

  • Season steak with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over high heat.
  • Sear steak for 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
  • Remove and set aside.

3. Cook the Shrimp

  • In the same skillet, melt butter.
  • Add garlic and shrimp.
  • Season with Cajun seasoning.
  • Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink.
  • Remove and set aside.

4. Make the Sauce

  • Melt butter in the skillet.
  • Sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
  • Add chicken broth and heavy cream.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
  • Add Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
  • Mix in spinach and diced red pepper until spinach wilts.

5. Combine Everything

  • Add cooked penne to the sauce.
  • Toss until coated, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
  • Fold in the steak and shrimp.
  • Heat everything together for 2 minutes.

6. Serve

  • Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
  • Serve immediately while hot with garlic bread or a fresh salad.

💡 Tips

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
  • Don’t overcook the shrimp—they only need a couple of minutes.
  • Ribeye gives the richest flavor, while sirloin is a leaner option.
  • Add mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.

Enjoy your rich, creamy, restaurant-style Cajun steak and shrimp pasta! 🍤🥩🍝

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