“`html
If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances bold spice and creamy decadence, look no further than this Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe. Layers of tender top sirloin and succulent shrimp, both blackened to flavorful perfection, come together in a luxuriously creamy parmesan sauce that clings to al dente penne pasta. It is comfort food with an exciting twist that will have you swooning from the very first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing its own character to the dish. From the spicy kick of blackened seasoning to the richness of parmesan and heavy cream, every component plays a part in creating that perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
- 8 ounces penne pasta: The ideal shape to catch and hold the luscious Alfredo sauce.
- 1 pound large shrimp, raw, deveined, tail removed: Fresh, sweet, and perfectly tender seafood that pairs beautifully with steak.
- 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning: Adds that smoky, spicy crust to the shrimp and steak, bringing depth to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Helps sear the shrimp quickly without burning the spices.
- 1 pound top sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes: Juicy and flavorful beef cubes that complement the shrimp in richness and texture.
- 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning: Used again to season the steak perfectly.
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter: For a silky, indulgent cooking base and to enrich the sauce.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (about ½ cup): Adds a subtle sweetness and tender crunch to the sauce.
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Aromatic foundation that intensifies the savory flavor profile.
- 2 cups (476 g) heavy whipping cream: The heart of the Alfredo sauce, making it creamy and velvety.
- 2 cups (200 g) parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Delivers sharp, nutty notes that elevate the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning: Incorporated into the sauce to echo those powerful seasoning notes throughout the dish.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A little extra spice to round off the seasoning.
- Parsley, chopped for garnish: A fresh, colorful finishing touch that brightens every bite.
How to Make Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook until it reaches al dente according to package instructions. Don’t forget to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining—that starchy liquid will be key for adjusting your sauce consistency later.
Step 2: Cook Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, season the shrimp evenly with 1 teaspoon of blackened seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large 13-inch skillet over medium heat until it’s nice and hot. Cook the shrimp for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Transfer them to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm while you move on to the steak.
Step 3: Cook Steak
Season the sirloin steak cubes with the remaining 1 teaspoon of blackened seasoning. Turn your heat to high in the same skillet, add the butter, and let it melt until it bubbles enticingly. Place the steak cubes in the skillet and sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side. You want that beautiful browned exterior while keeping the inside pink and juicy. Once done, transfer the steak to the plate with the shrimp, keeping them wrapped to stay warm.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and toss the diced onion into the skillet, cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Next, add the minced garlic and stir for one minute. Pour in the heavy cream, ¼ to ½ cup of your reserved pasta water, and the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir in 1 tablespoon of blackened seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts fully and your sauce thickens into a velvety, flavorful base.
Step 5: Toss Pasta in Sauce
Now the magic happens. Add the drained penne pasta into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything well to coat each piece of pasta with the creamy, spiced sauce. Feel free to add a little more reserved pasta water if you want a thinner consistency—this sauce should coat the pasta luxuriously without feeling heavy.
Step 6: Serve Dish
Finally, top your pasta with those succulent shrimp and beautifully seared steak cubes. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley to add a fresh, green pop of color. Serve immediately so everyone enjoys the meal hot, creamy, and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic and lively finishing touch, but you can also try fresh basil leaves or a light dusting of extra parmesan. A squeeze of lemon just before serving brightens the dish and complements the blackened spices wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and filling, so pair it with light, crisp sides like a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or some steamed seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also fantastic to mop up any leftover creamy sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the blackened steak and shrimp Alfredo over individual pasta nests or in shallow bowls so each guest can admire the gorgeous steak cubes and shrimp perched on top. Garnish with edible flowers or drizzle a bit of good quality olive oil for an elegant finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent condensation.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Use a freezer-safe container and leave a little space at the top for expansion. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the Alfredo in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and prevent it from breaking. Heat slowly and stir often to maintain the creamy texture, and add the steak and shrimp on top once warmed through to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is great for catching the sauce, fettuccine, rigatoni, or even linguine all work wonderfully with this creamy Alfredo recipe. Just cook them according to package directions.
Is blackened seasoning very spicy?
It packs a nice kick but nothing too overpowering. It adds smoky warmth and a bit of heat, balancing beautifully with the richness of the cream and parmesan.
Can I substitute the shrimp for another protein?
Definitely! Chicken breast or even scallops are excellent alternatives if shrimp isn’t your favorite. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Do I have to use heavy cream for the sauce?
Heavy cream is key for achieving the rich, silky texture in Alfredo sauce. You might try half-and-half for a lighter version, but it won’t be quite as smooth or thick.
Can I prepare any part of this dish in advance?
You can season and marinate the steak and shrimp earlier to save prep time. The sauce is best made fresh, but if needed, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and gently reheat when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is truly a showstopper that brings together bold seasoning and creamy indulgence in perfect harmony. Whether for a family dinner or impressing guests, it delivers on flavor and comfort with every forkful. Trust me, once you make it, this dish will quickly become one of your favorites to reach for whenever you want something special yet simple.
“`
Print
Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo recipe combines tender, seasoned sirloin steak and juicy shrimp with a creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce tossed with penne pasta. The dish features bold blackened seasoning for a flavorful twist on classic Alfredo, perfect for an impressive yet easy-to-make dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta
Seafood
- 1 pound large shrimp, raw, deveined, tail removed
- 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning (for shrimp)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Steak
- 1 pound top sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning (for steak)
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter
Sauce
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (about ½ cup)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 cups (476 g) heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups (200 g) parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning (for sauce)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set pasta aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Season the shrimp evenly with 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large 13-inch skillet over medium heat until hot. Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Cook Steak: Season steak cubes evenly with 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning. Increase heat to high in the same skillet. Add ¼ cup unsalted butter and allow it to melt and bubble. Place steak cubes in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned on the outside but still pink inside. Transfer steak to the plate with shrimp and tent to keep warm.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 2 cups heavy whipping cream, along with ¼ to ½ cup reserved pasta water. Stir in 2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding additional reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Serve: Top the pasta with the cooked shrimp and steak cubes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while the dish is hot and creamy.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated parmesan cheese to ensure a smooth and flavorful sauce.
- Adjust the amount of blackened seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water to help thin the Alfredo sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Ensure steak cubes are cooked to your preferred doneness by adjusting cooking time slightly.
- Use a large skillet to comfortably cook shrimp and steak and make the sauce in the same pan for maximum flavor.
