If you’re craving a dish that combines bold, smoky flavors with rich, creamy comfort, the Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is going to blow your mind. Imagine perfectly seared, spice-kissed sirloin steak alongside tender, juicy shrimp, all nestled on a bed of al dente fettuccine tossed in a luscious, garlicky Alfredo sauce. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and elegance, making it a fantastic meal for anything from a cozy weeknight dinner to an impressive weekend feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Each element plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color—from the smokiness of the blackening seasoning to the creamy richness of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta: The perfect sturdy pasta that clings to the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully.
- 1 pound sirloin steak: Choose a tender cut for juicy, flavorful slices after blackening.
- 12 large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds a sweet, briny contrast to the steak’s bold seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Used for searing steak and shrimp to a perfect crust.
- 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning, divided: This spice mix imparts smoky, spicy notes that bring the dish to life.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the Alfredo sauce base.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that unmistakable aromatic kick.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: Creates the creamy, dreamy sauce that ties everything together.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a sharp, nutty flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat to the creamy sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Complements the blackened spices with a sweet, smoky touch.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Offers a fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente—this means tender but still with a slight bite. Drain it well and set it aside. This simple step sets the foundation for the creamy sauce to coat every strand beautifully.
Step 2: Season Steak and Shrimp
Pat your sirloin steak and shrimp dry with paper towels; this helps to get a great sear. Then, sprinkle both generously with half of your blackening seasoning. This layer of smoky, spicy flavor is key to making each bite exciting and vibrant.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the steak in the hot pan and sear it for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, depending on your preferred doneness. The goal is a flavorful crust on the outside and tender juiciness inside. Once cooked, move the steak onto a plate to rest — this keeps all those savory juices locked in before slicing.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn opaque and slightly pink. The residual heat will keep them perfectly tender without becoming rubbery. Remove the shrimp and set them aside with the rested steak.
Step 5: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, then season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Finally, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes beautifully smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss your cooked fettuccine into the Alfredo sauce, making sure every strand is luxuriously coated. This creamy base is what makes the Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe stand out—it’s indulgent but balanced, with just the right amount of spice and richness.
Step 7: Serve with Steak and Shrimp
Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips, then layer these alongside the cooked shrimp right on top of the pasta. Garnish with the fresh parsley to add a burst of color and brightness that feels like the perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a fresh herbal note and a cheerful green color that lifts the whole dish. For an extra touch, freshly grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice can add an additional layer of brightness to the creamy, smoky flavors.
Side Dishes
This indulgent Alfredo pairs beautifully with crisp, green vegetables like steamed broccoli or a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also makes a fantastic side, perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the pasta family-style in a large, shallow bowl topped with the colorful slices of steak and plump shrimp. Alternatively, you can arrange the steak and shrimp on one side and the pasta on the other to showcase the surf-and-turf nature of this dish. Don’t be shy to drizzle a bit of extra sauce over the top before serving for that wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. The creamy sauce will thicken when chilled, so you might want to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to help loosen it back up.
Freezing
This Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing might change the texture of the creamy sauce and shrimp. However, if you choose to freeze, freeze the pasta and sauce separately from the steak and shrimp to preserve texture better.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a touch of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s silky texture. Keep stirring so the sauce doesn’t stick or burn, and warm the steak and shrimp just until heated through to avoid toughness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional and holds the sauce well, other pasta shapes like linguine, penne, or even pappardelle work beautifully with this recipe.
Is the recipe very spicy because of the blackening seasoning?
The blackening seasoning provides a smoky, mildly spicy flavor. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the amount of seasoning or use a milder blend. It’s all about what makes your taste buds happy!
Can I substitute chicken for the steak or shrimp?
Yes, chicken is a great option if you want a lighter or more budget-friendly version. Just season and cook it similarly to the steak for best results.
What’s the best way to get a good crust on the steak?
Make sure the steak is pat-dry before seasoning, and the skillet is hot before adding the meat. Avoid moving the steak too much so it can develop that gorgeous caramelized crust.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, you could try substituting the butter with a dairy-free alternative and using coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that brings together the best of land and sea with creamy, dreamy pasta. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish hits all the right notes in flavor, texture, and satisfaction. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a favorite staple in your kitchen!
Print
Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo recipe combines perfectly seared, spicy blackened sirloin steak and succulent shrimp with creamy, garlicky fettuccine Alfredo. The dish features a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, delivering a rich and indulgent surf-and-turf pasta experience. Garnished with fresh parsley, it is a satisfying main course that balances bold flavors and creamy textures for a comforting American-style meal.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound sirloin steak
- 12 large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Season Proteins: Pat the sirloin steak and shrimp dry with paper towels. Evenly season both with the blackening seasoning on all sides to ensure a flavorful crust.
- Sear Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned steak in the hot skillet and sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest to retain juices before slicing.
- Cook Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Cook until shrimp turn opaque and are just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, then season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Simmer the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add Cheese and Combine: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Toss the cooked fettuccine pasta gently in the sauce until all noodles are nicely coated.
- Assemble and Serve: Slice the rested steak into strips. Plate the Alfredo pasta and top with sliced steak and cooked shrimp. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the creamiest and smoothest Alfredo sauce.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half and half.
- Chicken can be used instead of steak for a different protein option.
- Ensure steak rests after cooking to maintain juiciness and tenderness when sliced.
