When you want to take your dinner to the next level, this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce Steak delivers elegance and indulgence in every bite. Perfectly seared steak meets a luscious Cajun-spiced shrimp cream sauce that’s rich, buttery, and full of Southern flavor.
The combination of tender, juicy steak and plump shrimp is already irresistible — but when you add a creamy, garlicky Cajun sauce, it becomes downright spectacular. Even better, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make. With just one skillet and about 40 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality surf-and-turf dish right at home.
Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner, a weekend treat, or a family feast, this dish is bold, creamy, and unforgettable. Every bite is spicy, savory, and perfectly balanced.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce Steak
- Combines two favorites — steak and shrimp — in one dish.
- Bursting with creamy, spicy Cajun flavor.
- One-pan recipe with minimal cleanup.
- Perfect for date nights, holidays, or elevated weeknight dinners.
- Ready in under 40 minutes and tastes like fine dining.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This dish has everything — juicy, perfectly seared steak and buttery Cajun shrimp bathed in a rich cream sauce. The Cajun seasoning gives it a gentle kick of spice, while the cream and butter mellow it out for a luxurious balance. The contrast between the smoky spice and the velvety sauce is what makes every bite irresistible.
Furthermore, it’s versatile — you can serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a full meal. And because everything cooks in one pan, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s indulgent but not complicated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Steak:
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cajun Shrimp Cream Sauce:
- ½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce Steak (Step by Step)
Step 1: Prepare and season the steak
First, pat the steaks dry with paper towels — this ensures a perfect sear. Then, season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the steak
Next, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter starts to sizzle, add the steaks. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side for medium doneness, or adjust to your liking. After that, transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest while you make the sauce.
Step 3: Cook the shrimp
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Then, add shrimp and season with Cajun seasoning and paprika. Cook for 2 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and slightly golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Build the creamy Cajun sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom.
After that, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly. If you like, add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
Step 5: Combine and serve
Now, return the shrimp and their juices to the skillet. Stir to coat them in the sauce. Finally, nestle the cooked steaks back into the pan, spooning the creamy shrimp sauce over the top.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley — and get ready to impress!
Tips for the Best Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce Steak
Use room-temperature steak
Let the steaks sit out for 20–30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the pan
If cooking multiple steaks, sear in batches so each gets that perfect crust.
Deglaze for flavor
Scraping up those browned bits adds incredible depth to the sauce.
Don’t overcook the shrimp
They cook quickly — remove them as soon as they turn pink and curl.
Add cheese gradually
Parmesan melts best when added slowly to warm (not boiling) sauce.
Taste as you go
Cajun seasoning can be salty — always taste before adding extra salt.
Make it extra spicy
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you love heat.
Balance the richness
A splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of parsley brightens the creamy sauce.
Rest your steak
Letting the steak rest for 5 minutes keeps it juicy and flavorful.
Serve hot
This dish tastes best fresh off the skillet — creamy, spicy, and sizzling!
Variations & Substitutions
- Surf & Turf Pasta: Serve the steak and shrimp sauce over linguine or fettuccine.
- Smoky Bacon Twist: Add crispy bacon bits to the sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in spinach or mushrooms for extra texture.
- Lightened-Up Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Herb Infusion: Add thyme or basil for a fragrant touch.
- Seafood Upgrade: Replace shrimp with lobster or scallops for a luxe twist.
- Garlic Lover’s Dream: Double the garlic for an extra punch.
- Cheese Swap: Use Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a bolder flavor.
- Keto-Friendly: Serve over cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.
- Extra Creamy: Add a spoonful of cream cheese for a thicker, richer sauce.
What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce Steak
- Garlic mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- Cajun-spiced corn on the cob
- Fettuccine or linguine pasta
- Crispy garlic bread to soak up the sauce
- Glass of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
Storage & Reheating Tips
To Store:
Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
Warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s texture.
To Freeze:
Freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat slowly before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different steak cut?
Yes! Ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon all work beautifully.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes — just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner; add extra Parmesan for body.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick. Adjust the Cajun seasoning or add cayenne for more heat.
Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Yes — but if it’s salty, reduce added salt in the recipe.
Can I add pasta?
Absolutely — toss cooked pasta in the sauce for a creamy Cajun surf-and-turf pasta.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
How can I thicken the sauce?
Simmer longer or add a small spoon of cream cheese.
What shrimp size works best?
Medium to large shrimp (16–20 count) are ideal for this dish.
Can I make it ahead?
You can prep the sauce and steak separately, then combine before serving.