I’ve crafted a luxurious dish that brings together the bold flavors of Cajun-seasoned shrimp with a juicy, seared steak, all finished with a rich and creamy sauce. It’s a restaurant-style meal I enjoy making at home when I want something indulgent and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish delivers big flavor with surprisingly simple ingredients. The Cajun shrimp offer spice and succulence, while the creamy sauce mellows and enriches every bite. Paired with a perfectly seared steak, it turns an ordinary night into something truly special.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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ribeye, strip, or filet mignon steaks
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shrimp, peeled and deveined
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Cajun seasoning
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heavy cream
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butter
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garlic, minced
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Parmesan cheese (optional for extra depth)
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olive oil
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salt and pepper
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chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
directions
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I start by seasoning the steaks with salt, pepper, and a little Cajun seasoning.
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I heat olive oil in a hot skillet and sear the steaks for 3–5 minutes per side (depending on thickness and preferred doneness), then I remove them and let them rest.
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In the same skillet, I add a bit of butter and sauté the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until they turn pink and are just cooked through, about 2–3 minutes. I set them aside.
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I reduce the heat and add more butter and garlic to the skillet, cooking just until fragrant. Then I pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to deglaze the pan.
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I simmer the cream for a few minutes until slightly thickened, then I stir in Parmesan cheese for richness and return the shrimp to the pan.
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Once the sauce is silky and the shrimp are coated, I spoon the mixture over the rested steaks.
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I finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
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Servings: Makes 2 to 4 servings
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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I use blackened seasoning instead of Cajun for a deeper smoky flavor.
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I swap heavy cream for half‑and‑half or a splash of white wine for a lighter sauce.
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I add a squeeze of lemon juice or hot sauce to brighten up the richness.
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I serve it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or sautéed greens for a full meal.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, I warm the sauce and shrimp gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. I reheat steak separately, ideally in a skillet with a touch of butter to keep it juicy.
FAQs
What kind of steak works best?
I like ribeye for its marbling, but strip steaks or filet mignon also work beautifully. The rich sauce pairs well with any tender cut.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, I thaw them first under cold water, pat them dry, and season before cooking to avoid excess water in the skillet.
How spicy is this dish?
It depends on the Cajun seasoning. I choose a milder blend if I want it more kid-friendly, or a spicier one for extra heat.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
I prefer making the sauce fresh, but I can prep the ingredients early. The sauce only takes a few minutes to cook right before serving.
What sides go best with this dish?
I like to serve it with garlic mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
Conclusion
This steak topped with creamy Cajun shrimp sauce is my go-to when I want something hearty and elegant. It brings a bit of Southern flair to the table, combining bold spice, smooth sauce, and juicy steak into one unforgettable dish. It’s a meal that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.
Steak Topped with Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce
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A bold and elegant dish featuring juicy steak topped with Cajun-seasoned shrimp in a rich, creamy sauce. This restaurant-style meal is indulgent, flavorful, and easy to prepare at home.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Ingredients
- 2 ribeye, strip, or filet mignon steaks
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Season steaks with salt, pepper, and a bit of Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear steaks for 3–5 minutes per side to desired doneness. Remove and let rest.
- Add 1 tbsp butter to the same skillet. Sauté shrimp with remaining Cajun seasoning for 2–3 minutes until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic to the skillet, cooking until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, scraping up browned bits. Stir and simmer until slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese (if using), return shrimp to skillet, and coat in sauce.
- Spoon shrimp and sauce over rested steaks. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use ribeye for more marbling or filet for a leaner cut.
- Adjust spice level with milder or spicier Cajun blends.
- Add a splash of lemon juice or hot sauce to brighten the dish.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or sautéed greens for a full meal.
- Use thawed frozen shrimp if fresh is unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with sauce
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 43g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 210mg