Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Cook the Pasta:**
– Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the fettuccine (or pasta of your choice) according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later. Set aside.

#### 2. **Prepare the Steak:**
– While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the steak with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
– Once the skillet is hot, add the steak and cook for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust cooking time depending on the thickness of your steak and your preferred level of doneness).
– Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

#### 3. **Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce:**
– In the same skillet (to take advantage of the flavorful steak drippings), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
– Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
– Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

#### 4. **Combine the Pasta and Sauce:**
– Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, making sure it’s well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
– Gently stir in the sliced Cajun steak, allowing it to heat through and incorporate into the creamy sauce.

#### 5. **Serve and Garnish:**
– Serve the **Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo** in individual bowls or on a large platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor and color.

### Tips for Perfect Cajun Steak Alfredo:

– **Steak Tips:** Ribeye or sirloin works great for this recipe due to their tenderness and flavor, but feel free to use your preferred cut of steak. Just be sure not to overcook it, as steak can quickly become tough if cooked too long.
– **Adjust Spice Level:** The beauty of Cajun seasoning is that it’s easy to adjust. If you prefer a milder dish, use less Cajun seasoning in the sauce, or opt for a mild version of the seasoning.
– **Make it Creamier:** If you like a richer sauce, add an extra splash of cream or a little more cheese to the sauce for a velvety finish.
– **Pasta Variations:** While fettuccine is traditional, any pasta shape will work well with this dish, such as linguine, penne, or rigatoni. Just be sure to cook the pasta to al dente for the best texture.
– **Add Veggies:** To balance out the richness, feel free to add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the dish for some extra flavor and texture.

### Serving Suggestions:

– **Pair with a Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the sauce.
– **Garlic Bread:** A side of garlic bread or crusty French bread would be perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
– **Wine Pairing:** For a wine pairing, a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir would complement the dish beautifully.

### Why You’ll Love Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo:

– **Indulgent and Flavorful:** This dish delivers everything you want in a comfort food—rich, creamy sauce, bold spices, and tender steak all in one bite.
– **Quick to Make:** Ready in under 30 minutes, **Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo** is a great weeknight dinner option when you’re craving something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
– **Crowd-Pleasing:** This is the kind of dish that’s perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties, family gatherings, or just a night in with loved ones. The creamy sauce and flavorful steak make it a dish that everyone will enjoy.

### Conclusion:

**Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo** is the ultimate fusion of creamy indulgence and bold Cajun spice. It’s a comforting yet exciting dish that elevates classic Alfredo pasta to something extraordinary. Whether you’re a fan of steak, creamy sauces, or just love a little heat in your meals, this dish will hit all the right notes. So fire up the skillet, cook up a perfectly seared steak, and enjoy a bowl of this decadent, flavorful pasta that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!