If you are craving something creamy and comforting, this recipe is for you.
You do not need a fancy steakhouse for a great meal. This Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce brings the heat and the heart. It is the perfect way to upgrade your winter dinner routine.
Why You’ll Make This Again
This recipe is a total showstopper that only takes 35 minutes. It combines juicy ribeye with a decadent surf-and-turf sauce. It is ideal for a cozy date night when you want to impress. You get restaurant-quality flavor with very little cleanup. This meal is reliable, rich, and incredibly satisfying every single time.
How This Comes Together
We start by searing the steaks to get a perfect crust. Then, we use the same pan to build a flavor-packed sauce. Sautéing the shrimp and veggies in the steak juices adds deep flavor. Everything finishes in a silky cream sauce that ties it all together. It is a simple process that yields amazing results for any cook.
What You’ll Need
Most of these items are pantry staples or easy to find at any shop.
- 2 (10-ounce) ribeye steaks
- 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-By-Step Directions
- Season the steaks generously on both sides with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steaks for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare or until they reach your preferred internal temperature.
- Remove the steaks from the skillet and set aside on a plate to rest.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss the shrimp with 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and sauté for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour the heavy cream and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning into the skillet. Bring to a light simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the shrimp to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Slice the rested steaks against the grain and spoon the creamy Cajun shrimp sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley.
How to Serve It
Serve this over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. It also pairs beautifully with buttered noodles or steamed green beans. Since this is a rich Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce, a light side salad helps. It feels special enough for guests but is easy enough for a Friday night.
Leftovers & Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat the sauce gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of milk if the sauce gets too thick. Avoid the microwave to keep the shrimp from getting rubbery. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream base.
Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)
- Don’t skip patting the steaks dry before seasoning for a better sear.
- Avoid crowding the pan so the steaks brown instead of steaming.
- Use room temperature steaks for more even cooking throughout the meat.
- Lower the heat before adding the cream to prevent the sauce from breaking.
- For a special date night, serve this with a chilled glass of white wine.
- Swap ribeye for sirloin if you want a leaner, budget-friendly option.
- Grate your own Parmesan for the smoothest sauce possible.
Easy Ways to Change It Up
- Swap the shrimp for scallops for an even more luxurious feel.
- Use chicken breasts instead of steak for a lighter meal.
- Add a handful of spinach to the sauce for a pop of color.
- Make it extra spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Quick Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, New York strip or filet mignon both work great here. Just adjust your cooking time based on the thickness of the meat.
Is this sauce very spicy?
It has a nice kick but the cream balances the heat. You can use less Cajun seasoning if you prefer a milder flavor.
I hope you love this Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce as much as I do. It is the ultimate way to treat yourself after a long week. Give it a try tonight!
— Ethan
Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Season the steaks generously on both sides with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steaks for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare or until they reach your preferred internal temperature.
- Remove the steaks from the skillet and set aside on a plate to rest.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss the shrimp with 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and sauté for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour the heavy cream and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning into the skillet. Bring to a light simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the shrimp to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Slice the rested steaks against the grain and spoon the creamy Cajun shrimp sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley.
