If you’ve been hunting for a dinner that feels indulgent, cozy, and a little bit fancy all at once, then this Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It marries the smoky, bold flavors of perfectly blackened steak and shrimp with a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce that hugs tender penne pasta. Every bite bursts with rich, savory goodness and a hint of spice that keeps you coming back for more. This dish is an absolute knockout for sharing with loved ones or impressing anyone at your table without spending hours cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to pulling off this Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe with ease and flavor. Each element plays a key role — from the savory steak and shrimp to the creamy parmesan sauce that brings it all together, and the perfectly cooked penne pasta providing the ideal texture.
- 1 pound large shrimp, raw, deveined, tail removed: Fresh shrimp add a tender, sweet seafood touch that contrasts beautifully with the steak.
- 1 pound top sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes: This cut is flavorful and tender, perfect for blackening and searing quickly.
- 8 ounces penne pasta: Its hollow shape holds onto the Alfredo sauce wonderfully for every bite.
- 1 teaspoon + 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning (divided): The star spice blend that creates that signature smoky, spicy crust on both steak and shrimp.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Ideal for getting a great sear on your proteins without burning the seasonings.
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter: Adds rich silkiness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (about ½ cup): Builds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base for the creamy sauce.
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible savory notes.
- 2 cups (476 g) heavy whipping cream: The heart of any Alfredo sauce, delivering velvety richness.
- 2 cups (200 g) parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Freshly grated cheese melts perfectly to create that signature sharp, nutty flavor.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances all the flavors and enhances the taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the creamy sauce.
- Parsley, chopped for garnish: Fresh parsley brightens the plate with color and a hint of herbal freshness.
How to Make Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your penne pasta until it’s perfectly al dente — tender but still with a bit of bite. Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining; this starchy water will help loosen the sauce later if needed and ensure silky consistency.
Step 2: Season and Sauté the Shrimp
Toss your raw, peeled shrimp with 1 teaspoon of blackened seasoning. In a hot skillet with vegetable oil, quickly sauté the shrimp until they turn opaque and just begin to curl. This step only takes a few minutes — shrimp cook fast! Remove them from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Season and Sear the Steak Cubes
Next, coat your sirloin steak cubes evenly with the remaining 1 tablespoon of blackened seasoning. Sear them in the same skillet over medium-high heat until they’re beautifully browned on the outside but still tender on the inside. Once seared, set the steak aside with the shrimp.
Step 4: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
In the skillet, melt the butter and gently sauté the diced onion until translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant — your kitchen will smell incredible! Pour in the heavy whipping cream, then stir in reserved pasta water, freshly grated parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly over medium heat until the sauce thickens, becoming lush and velvety.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked penne pasta to the pan and toss it thoroughly to coat with the creamy Alfredo sauce. Layer the blackened shrimp and steak cubes on top, allowing their smoky spices to mingle with the rich sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
For this Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe, simple garnishes make a world of difference. Freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant green touch that livens up the creamy palette. If you like a hint of brightness, a light squeeze of lemon over the shrimp just before serving compliments the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully complete on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp sides. Consider a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread is another classic side — its crunchy, buttery goodness makes every bite of Alfredo even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, plate the pasta in shallow bowls with the steak and shrimp artistically arranged on top. Drizzle extra sauce around, and garnish with whole parsley sprigs or even a pinch of smoked paprika for that extra smoky pop. Serving in individual gratin dishes under the broiler for a minute can create a golden cheese crust that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep their best flavor and texture for 3 to 4 days. The creamy sauce may thicken, so you might want to add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to bring it back to that lovely silky consistency.
Freezing
While fresh is definitely best with creamy Alfredo, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop, adding a little cream or broth to prevent the sauce from separating.
Reheating
To reheat, use low to medium heat in a skillet or microwave. Stir frequently and add a touch of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s texture and avoid drying out the steak and shrimp. Watching it closely ensures you keep that perfect balance of creaminess without overcooking the seafood or meat.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the Alfredo sauce, other shapes like fettuccine, rigatoni, or even farfalle work wonderfully here. Just cook according to package instructions and adjust the sauce quantity if needed.
Is the blackened seasoning spicy?
Blackened seasoning typically has a moderate kick thanks to paprika, cayenne, and other spices. You can always adjust the amount you use to suit your spice tolerance, or look for a mild blend if you’re sensitive to heat.
Can I substitute the heavy cream in this Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe?
Heavy cream provides the lusciousness need for authentic Alfredo sauce, but you could try half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of butter for a lighter version. Just keep in mind the sauce may be less thick and rich.
What’s the best way to make sure steak stays tender?
Cutting the sirloin into uniform 1-inch cubes helps them cook evenly and quickly sear without drying out. Searing on high heat until just browned and not overcooking ensures juicy, tender bites that complement the shrimp’s texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free cream alternatives and a non-dairy cheese substitute, but this will change the classic Alfredo flavor and texture. Using coconut cream or cashew cream might work best for the creaminess while keeping the dish creamy and savory.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe means sharing a meal that feels like a celebration every time. It’s the perfect way to blend bold spices, tender meats, and rich creaminess into one unforgettable dish. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, dive into this recipe and enjoy every delicious mouthful!
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 seasoned seafood and steak with a rich, creamy parmesan sauce and al dente penne pasta. This recipe balances smoky blackened spices with a smooth, cheesy Alfredo sauce for a restaurant-quality meal ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Seafood and 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 and Oils
- 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning (for shrimp)
- 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning (for steak)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Sauce
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter
- 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
- 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. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining to use in the sauce.
- Season and Sauté Shrimp: Toss the raw shrimp with 1 teaspoon of blackened seasoning. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the shrimp until they turn opaque and are cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Season and Sear Steak: Season the cubed top sirloin steak with 1 tablespoon of blackened seasoning. In the same skillet, sear the steak cubes over medium-high heat until browned on all sides and cooked to desired doneness, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside with shrimp.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and a splash of reserved pasta water, stirring constantly. Gradually add the freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the pasta topped with the sautéed shrimp and seared steak. Garnish generously with chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a silkier texture.
- Blackened seasoning can be homemade or store-bought depending on preference to control spice levels.
- Ensure shrimp is deveined and peeled for the best eating experience.
- Top sirloin steak is a tender choice that sears beautifully for this dish.
- This recipe can be doubled or halved depending on serving needs.
