Cajun Surf & Turf with Creamy Pepper Pasta

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🔥 Introduction

This Cajun Surf & Turf with Creamy Pepper Pasta is a luxurious fusion of spice, richness, and comfort. Succulent Cajun-spiced steak and shrimp are pan-seared to perfection and served over a bed of creamy pasta infused with cracked black pepper, garlic, and parmesan. It’s a bold Southern-style twist on an Italian classic, bringing a balance of heat and decadence that hits all the right notes.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Cajun Steak & Shrimp:

• 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (8–10 oz each)
• 12–16 large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade — see tip below)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Salt & freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

For the Creamy Pepper Pasta:

• 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste
• ½ tsp Cajun seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)

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🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak

1. Pat steaks dry. Rub with olive oil, then season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and sear the steaks 3–4 minutes per side (depending on thickness and doneness preference).
3. Add garlic in the last minute of cooking and spoon the butter over the steak.
4. Remove from pan, let rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice thinly.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. In the same skillet, add a splash of oil if needed.
2. Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning and a squeeze of lemon juice.
3. Sear shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Pepper Sauce

1. In a separate saucepan or large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and black pepper; sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Pour in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Add salt and an optional dash of Cajun seasoning for extra kick.

Step 4: Cook Pasta and Combine

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water.
2. Drain and add pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved water a bit at a time to loosen sauce as needed.

Step 5: Assemble

1. Plate the creamy pepper pasta.
2. Top with sliced steak and shrimp.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley and a fresh crack of pepper or lemon wedge if desired.

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🔥 Pro Tips

• Homemade Cajun Seasoning: Mix 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp each of garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
• Let the steak rest before slicing to retain juices.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook fast!
• Add mushrooms or sautéed bell peppers for a veggie boost.

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🍷 Pairing Suggestions

• Wine: A bold red like Zinfandel or a chilled Chardonnay works beautifully.
• Cocktail: Try a Cajun Bloody Mary or a citrusy margarita.

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