There is something truly irresistible about a dish that brings together the bold flavors of perfectly blackened steak and succulent shrimp, all enveloped in a creamy, dreamy Alfredo sauce. This Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving a rich, satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet easy enough for any weeknight. The peppery, smoky crust on the steak and shrimp pairs beautifully with the cheesy, velvety sauce, making every bite a celebration of textures and tastes. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become your go-to for impressing guests or treating yourself to something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in bringing the dish to life. From the creamy richness of the heavy cream to the vibrant punch of the blackened seasoning, every component is simple yet essential for building layers of flavor and texture.
- 1 pound large shrimp, raw, deveined, tail removed: Provides tender, juicy bites that soak up the bold seasoning perfectly.
- 1 pound top sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes: Adds hearty, juicy chunks with a deliciously charred crust.
- 8 ounces penne pasta: The ideal pasta shape to hold the rich Alfredo sauce and catch little bits of seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon + 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning (divided): The secret to that signature smoky, spicy crust on both steak and shrimp.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Helps achieve a perfect sear on the steak and shrimp without burning.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick / 57 g): Brings depth and a silky mouthfeel to the sauce.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (about ½ cup): Adds subtle sweetness and a savory base for the Alfredo sauce.
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Elevates the sauce with its fragrant, aromatic punch.
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream: The creamy backbone that turns this pasta into pure comfort food.
- 2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese: For that sharp, savory flavor that gives Alfredo sauce its unmistakable character.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the wonderful flavors without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and rounds out the seasoning in the sauce.
- Parsley, chopped for garnish: A bright, fresh touch that adds color and a hint of herbaceousness.
How to Make Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by boiling your penne pasta in salted water until it’s just al dente. This is key because the pasta will continue to cook slightly once tossed in the sauce. Don’t forget to save some of the starchy pasta water – this will help you achieve a perfectly silky Alfredo sauce later on.
Step 2: Season and Sauté the Shrimp
Take your deveined shrimp and toss them with 1 teaspoon of the blackened seasoning. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté the shrimp until they turn opaque and develop a lightly charred crust. This step infuses the shrimp with that signature smoky heat and locks in their juiciness. Set them aside carefully to avoid overcooking.
Step 3: Season and Sear the Steak
Next, toss the steak cubes with 1 tablespoon of the blackened seasoning for a more intense flavor punch. Using the same skillet, sear the steak over high heat until you get a beautiful browned crust on all sides. The steak should be juicy inside with that addictive blackened crust outside. Set it aside with the shrimp.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In your skillet, melt the unsalted butter and sauté the diced yellow onion until soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic, cooking for about a minute until it’s aromatic but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and reserved pasta water, then slowly whisk in the freshly grated parmesan. Stir gently as the sauce thickens, seasoning with salt and black pepper. This creates a rich, cheesy sauce that perfectly balances the bold flavors of the steak and shrimp.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Finally, toss the cooked penne pasta in the Alfredo sauce, making sure every piece is luxuriously coated. Plate the pasta and then top with the blackened shrimp and steak cubes. For that perfect finishing touch, sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
How to Serve Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only brightens the plate visually but adds a lovely fresh note that balances the rich, creamy sauce. For a bit of extra zest, a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or an extra handful of parmesan can bring even more depth to each bite.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is already rich and hearty, pairing it with something lighter works best. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccolini can provide a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, ensuring none of that deliciousness goes to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe for a special occasion, consider plating it with the steak and shrimp arranged artfully on top of the pasta nest. Use herb sprigs for elegance, and maybe drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil for shine. For a casual family dinner, serve it family-style in a large, rustic bowl so everyone can help themselves and enjoy the comfort of sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since the cream sauce is delicate, it’s best to cool the dish quickly and keep it sealed to maintain freshness and prevent the flavors from dulling.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for the creamy Alfredo sauce since it can separate upon thawing. If you freeze leftovers, place them in a well-sealed container and consume within 1 month. Thaw slowly in the fridge and stir well when reheating to recombine the sauce.
Reheating
The best way to reheat this dish is gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream, milk, or pasta water to loosen the sauce and stir frequently. Avoid microwaving if possible, to maintain the creamy texture and flavor integrity.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is excellent for holding the sauce, fettuccine, linguine, or even rigatoni work wonderfully. Just choose pasta that will catch and hold the Alfredo sauce well.
How spicy is the blackened seasoning in this recipe?
The spice level can vary based on the seasoning brand you use, but generally, blackened seasoning carries a smoky, peppery heat that is noticeable but not overwhelming. You can always adjust the amount to suit your tolerance.
Can I prepare the blackened steak and shrimp ahead of time?
You can season and prep the protein ahead, but for optimal texture and flavor, sear the steak and shrimp right before serving. This keeps them juicy and prevents overcooking or sogginess.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
Heavy cream is key for the luxurious texture of the Alfredo sauce, but you could substitute with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little butter. The sauce will be less rich but still delicious.
What wine pairs well with Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe?
A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir complements the creaminess of the Alfredo and the smoky seasoning beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with lemon or a lightly brewed iced tea.
Final Thoughts
This Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is an absolute delight that brings together a beautiful balance of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors that feel both comforting and special. It’s a dish you’ll want to come back to again and again, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and start cooking because this recipe promises a rewarding, mouthwatering experience every time.
Print
Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A decadent and flavorful Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo combining perfectly seared, seasoned shrimp and tender top sirloin steak cubes tossed in a creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce served over al dente penne pasta. This dish delivers a perfect balance of spicy blackened seasoning with rich, creamy textures for an indulgent dinner that comes together in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Seafood & Meat
- 1 pound large shrimp, raw, deveined, tail removed
- 1 pound top sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning (for shrimp)
- 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning (for steak)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Dairy
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (476 g) heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups (200 g) parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (about ½ cup)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Season and Sauté Shrimp: Toss the shrimp with 1 teaspoon of blackened seasoning. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté shrimp until they turn opaque and are cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Season and Sear Steak: Season the steak cubes with 1 tablespoon of blackened seasoning. In the same skillet, sear steak pieces over medium-high heat until browned on the outside and cooked to your desired doneness, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Make Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the diced onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and some reserved pasta water. Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese, blackened seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce and Protein: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the Alfredo sauce. Arrange the cooked shrimp and steak over the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to help adjust the Alfredo sauce consistency if needed.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of blackened seasoning to taste.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
- Do not overcook shrimp or steak to keep them tender and juicy.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid sauce separation.
