If you love bold flavors, juicy steak, and shrimp bathed in a creamy Cajun sauce, this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Steak is the meal that makes every dinner feel extra special. It brings together tender pan-seared steak and succulent shrimp, all coated in a silky Cajun cream sauce that’s smoky, spicy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect combination of surf and turf wrapped into one comforting dish rich, buttery, and bursting with flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish feels like something you’d order at a restaurant, but it’s surprisingly quick and easy to make at home. The steak gets a beautiful sear, the shrimp cook in minutes, and the Cajun cream sauce brings everything together with a luxurious finish. The flavors are bold yet balanced smoky Cajun seasoning, sweet shrimp, savory steak, and a creamy sauce that ties everything together.
It’s a gorgeous dish for date nights, holidays, or special occasions, but still simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. And because the sauce comes together in the same skillet, cleanup stays easy. Every bite feels indulgent, warming, and packed with comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients are simple, but together they create a beautiful combination of flavor and texture.
For the steak:
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper
For the shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
For the creamy Cajun sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Steak
1. Season and sear the steak
Pat the steaks dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a hot skillet until it sizzles. Sear the steaks for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove and let them rest so they stay juicy.
2. Cook the shrimp
In the same skillet, add a touch more butter if needed. Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and tender. Remove and set aside. The browned bits in the pan build incredible flavor for the sauce.
3. Sauté garlic and onions
Lower the heat slightly and add butter, garlic, and onions. Cook until soft and fragrant. This step is the flavor base for the Cajun cream sauce.
4. Build the sauce
Stir in smoked paprika and Cajun seasoning. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring until smooth. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
5. Add lemon and parmesan
Stir in lemon juice and parmesan. The sauce becomes silky, creamy, and full of flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Bring everything together
Return the shrimp to the pan and nestle the steaks back in. Spoon sauce over the top and warm everything through. The flavors blend beautifully, giving each bite the perfect balance of Cajun spice and creamy richness.
7. Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with potatoes, rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
What to Serve With It
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but sides make it complete:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Cajun rice
- Garlic butter noodles
- Roasted asparagus
- Sautéed spinach
- Crusty French bread
- Parmesan broccoli
Anything that soaks up the Cajun cream sauce pairs beautifully.
Tips for the Best Shrimp & Steak
- Pat steak dry to get a perfect sear.
- Don’t overcook shrimp they only need a few minutes.
- Use heavy cream for the creamiest texture.
- Add lemon last to keep the sauce bright and balanced.
- Let steak rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Choose large shrimp for the best texture and presentation.
Variations
- Spicy version: Add cayenne or extra Cajun seasoning.
- Light version: Use half-and-half instead of cream.
- Garlic Lover’s: Double the garlic.
- Mushroom Cajun sauce: Add sautéed mushrooms.
- Blackened steak: Coat steak heavily in Cajun seasoning before searing.
Storage
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Steak is best served fresh, but leftovers still taste amazing.
- Refrigerator: Store up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (cream sauce texture changes).
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Steak is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into something unforgettable. The Cajun cream sauce is rich and flavorful, the shrimp are tender and sweet, and the steak gives the meal a hearty, satisfying base. Every bite feels indulgent, warm, and full of bold flavor. It’s restaurant-level comfort made with simple ingredients — a true showstopper for any night of the week.