- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cajun Steak
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add steaks and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness.
- In the last minute of cooking, add minced garlic and baste the steak with melted butter.
- Remove steaks from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Toss the cooked pasta in the Alfredo sauce until evenly coated.
- Slice the rested steak into strips and place it on top of the pasta.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be reheated with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The sauce doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy content, but you can freeze the cooked steak separately.
Variants
- Spicier Kick: Add red pepper flakes or extra Cajun seasoning for more heat.
- Protein Swap: Try this with shrimp or grilled chicken instead of steak.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Extra Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the sauce.
FAQ
1. What steak cut works best for this dish?
Ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin works best, but you can also use filet mignon for an extra tender bite.
2. How do I make a lighter version of this dish?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan slightly. You can also substitute butter with olive oil.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the steak and sauce separately ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Reheat the sauce gently before tossing it with freshly cooked pasta.
4. What wine pairs well with Cajun Steak Alfredo?
A creamy Chardonnay or a light-bodied Pinot Noir complements the dish beautifully.
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