Name: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 4 steaks (ribeye or filet mignon); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Get ready to fall head over heels for Homemade Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce, an irresistible surf-and-turf dinner that delivers steakhouse luxury right in your own kitchen. The magic lies in draping tender, juicy steaks with plump sautéed shrimp, all coated in a Cajun-spiced cream sauce. And just when you think it can’t get better, you stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, giving the sauce its signature silkiness and rich depth. This is the kind of dish that turns any night into a special occasion!

Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe proves that a handful of staple ingredients can create a dish that looks (and tastes) like it took hours to make. Each component plays a starring role in building luscious flavors, creamy textures, and lively color.

4 steaks (ribeye or filet mignon): Choose a juicy, well-marbled cut for tenderness and rich flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste: These classic seasonings make the natural flavor of your steak and shrimp pop.
2 tbsp olive oil: The perfect base for searing steaks, adding a subtle fruity note and helping with browning.
1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds succulent texture and a little sweetness to balance out the Cajun spice.
2 tbsp butter: Gives your shrimp a golden, flavorful finish and adds richness to the pan drippings.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce and the shrimp with savory depth—you can’t skip the garlic!
1 cup heavy cream: The foundation of your creamy Cajun sauce; it brings velvety body and richness.
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning: Brings a little kick to the party with a perfect blend of spice and aroma.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Essential for stirring into the sauce until melted—this is where the velvety magic happens!
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds color and a fresh finish to your luxurious plate.

How to Make Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted

Step 1: Sear the Steaks

Start by patting your steaks dry, then season them generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering—this helps achieve that steakhouse sear right at home. Carefully lay the steaks in the skillet and sear them, undisturbed, for about 4–5 minutes per side (or until they reach your preferred doneness). Let them rest on a plate, tented with foil, while you make the sauce. The resting time keeps them juicy!

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Without cleaning the skillet, add the butter and let it melt into all those flavorful steak drippings. Toss in the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, flipping once, until they’re just pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook—the shrimp will finish cooking later in the sauce. Scoop the shrimp out and set aside.

Step 3: Fragrant Garlic & Creamy Cajun Sauce

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant (keep a close eye so it doesn’t brown). Next, pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom—they’re packed with flavor! Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. This step sets the foundation for the creamy finish you’ll get when you stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.

Step 4: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted

Reduce the heat to low and, while the sauce is still simmering, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Take your time here—the Parmesan will slowly dissolve, thickening your sauce and adding the salty, nutty magic that ties everything together. Once the sauce is silky, return the cooked shrimp to the pan, spooning the sauce over them until every bite is well coated.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Set the rested steaks on serving plates, then pile on the shrimp and pour that luscious Cajun sauce right over the top. Don’t forget a final flourish: garnish with plenty of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Dive in while it’s hot and creamy!

How to Serve Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted

Garnishes

Never underestimate the power of a good garnish! A shower of chopped fresh parsley instantly brightens the plate and the palate. For a fancier touch, add a few lemon wedges—just a squeeze brings out the flavors of the shrimp. A light dusting of extra Parmesan, right after you stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, can be absolutely heavenly if you want even more cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and bold, so lighter sides work beautifully. Try steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or a refreshing green salad to cut through the creaminess. If you’re a carb lover, serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes or alongside a loaf of crusty bread—both do an excellent job of soaking up every drop of that Parmesan-kissed sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not get a bit playful? Serve your steak and Cajun shrimp sauce in a shallow bowl over garlic mashed potatoes, letting the sauce pool around the steak. Or slice the steak before topping it, making every piece fork-ready with a generous spoonful of sauce. If you’ve got little cast iron pans, they make the perfect rustic vessel to keep everything hot and visually stunning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers, store the steak and Cajun shrimp sauce separately if possible. Place them in airtight containers in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep well for up to 2 days. This helps the steak stay flavorful and the sauce from becoming too thick in the fridge.

Freezing

Freezing creamy sauces can be a little tricky, but it’s doable! For best results, let everything cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge. You may need to whisk in a splash of cream as you reheat gently to restore the velvety texture after you stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.

Reheating

To reheat, place the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring gently. Add a spoonful or two of cream or milk if the sauce appears too thick. The key is warming it slowly until everything is hot and smooth (remember: for the creamiest results, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted again if needed). Reheat your steak slices separately, then pour sauce over just before serving for a steakhouse-worthy meal in minutes!

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While ribeye and filet mignon are luxurious choices, you can use strip steak or sirloin with great success. Just adjust the cooking time for your preferred thickness—you want that perfect, juicy bite.

What can I use if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, mix together some paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, a little cayenne, dried thyme, and oregano. Taste and adjust until it suits your spice preference. It’ll still be delicious, especially after you stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.

Are there good substitutes for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a slightly different twist. Just keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as rich. The real luxury comes when you stir in Parmesan cheese until melted—it ties the sauce together no matter which cream you use.

How spicy is the sauce?

The heat level depends on your Cajun seasoning, but generally, it’s a zesty warmth rather than a fiery burn. If you prefer less heat, use a mild Cajun blend and always taste as you go—especially just before you stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Of course! Sautéed mushrooms or spinach make wonderful additions. Simply cook them before adding the cream, so everything is tender and ready to soak up all the flavor after you stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be surprised if Homemade Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce becomes your new go-to showstopper. The thrill of that first bite—when the steak, shrimp, and decadent sauce meld together after you stir in Parmesan cheese until melted—is absolutely unforgettable. Gather your ingredients, invite someone special over, and treat yourselves to the magic of homemade steakhouse flavor tonight!