This Cajun Shrimp Scamp is a perfect balance of bold Cajun seasoning, succulent steak, tender shrimp, and a creamy Alfredo sauce. It’s a flavor-packed dish that will impress anyone at your dinner table!
Ingredients:
For the Steak:
- 1 lb Ribeye or Sirloin steak, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 Tbsp hot sauce
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/8–1/4 tsp crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pasta:
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Penne pasta
For the Shrimp:
- 10 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined (if frozen, thawed)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups (1 pint) heavy cream
- 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Marinating the Steak:
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper.
- Place steak cubes in a Ziploc bag, pour in the marinade, and seal the bag, removing as much air as possible. Refrigerate for 6-8 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Cooking the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding 1/2 tsp salt and 1 Tbsp olive oil.
- Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Preparing the Shrimp:
- In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with 1 Tbsp olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a hot skillet over medium heat, cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cooking the Steak:
- Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in the same skillet. Remove steak from the marinade (discard the marinade) and sear in the skillet for 2-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
- Add butter, minced garlic, and optional red chili pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 more minutes, stirring to coat steak with the flavors.
- Making the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add softened cream cheese and stir until melted.
- Gradually pour in heavy cream, add Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine and bring to a low boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combining Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly.
- Stir in the cooked steak and shrimp, mixing well to evenly distribute.
- Serve:
- Serve the Cajun Shrimp Scamp hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips:
- Enhance Flavors: Marinate the steak overnight for the best flavor infusion.
- Shrimp Cooking: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough. Look for them to turn pink and opaque.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the Alfredo sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as necessary, especially after adding the Parmesan.
This Cajun Shrimp Scamp is a rich, creamy, and spicy dish that combines shrimp, steak, and pasta with a decadent sauce for a truly indulgent meal. Enjoy! 🌶🍤🍝