Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo

Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo is a rich and flavorful dish that brings together tender shrimp and juicy steak, all enveloped in a creamy alfredo sauce. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home, this dish delights with its bold flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of blackened seasoning with steak and shrimp creates a mouthwatering experience that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this dish in about 35 minutes!
• Versatile Meal: Ideal for both casual family dinners and elegant gatherings, this recipe suits any occasion.
• Creamy Comfort: The luscious alfredo sauce paired with pasta makes every bite comforting and satisfying.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from the shrimp and steak, this dish is not just tasty but also fulfilling.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo efficiently, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Mixing spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta to perfection without overcrowding.
• Skillet: Ideal for searing the seasoned steak and shrimp, ensuring they are cooked evenly.
• Mixing spoon: Helps in combining the ingredients smoothly without clumping.
• Knife: Necessary for chopping vegetables like onions finely for better flavor integration.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 8 ounces penne pasta

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, raw, deveined, tail removed
• 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Steak

• 1 pound top sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning

For the 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
• 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• parsley, chopped for garnish

How to Make Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

In a skillet over medium heat, add vegetable oil. Season the shrimp with blackened seasoning. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

In the same skillet, add more vegetable oil if needed. Season the top sirloin cubes with blackened seasoning. Sear them in the pan until browned on all sides and cooked to your desired doneness, about 4–5 minutes for medium-rare. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until soft. Stir in minced garlic for an additional minute until fragrant. Slowly pour in heavy whipping cream while stirring continuously. Allow it to simmer gently.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Add freshly grated parmesan cheese to the sauce gradually while stirring until melted and smooth. Season with additional blackened seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Assemble Your Dish

Add cooked pasta to the sauce mixture along with cooked shrimp and steak cubes. Toss everything together until well combined.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish your Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo with chopped parsley before serving warm. Enjoy your delicious meal!

How to Serve Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo

Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo is a delightful dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for a zesty kick that complements the richness of the dish.

Pair with a Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and parmesan create a classic pairing.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offer a refreshing contrast.

Add Some Bread

• Garlic Bread: Toasted bread topped with garlic butter is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Focaccia: This soft Italian bread can be seasoned with herbs for extra flavor.

How to Perfect Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo

To create the ultimate Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo, consider these tips that will elevate your dish.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh shrimp and high-quality steak for the best flavor.
• Make Your Own Blackened Seasoning: Combine spices like paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder for a personalized touch.
• Cook Shrimp Quickly: Sauté shrimp just until pink to prevent overcooking and maintain tenderness.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust heavy cream quantity to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Opt for freshly grated parmesan instead of pre-packaged for superior melting and flavor.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy this dish right after cooking to savor its rich flavors at their peak.

Best Side Dishes for Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo

Complement your Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo with these delicious side dishes that enhance the meal’s overall appeal.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients to your plate.
2. Roasted Asparagus: Roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil brings a lovely crunch.
3. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs creates a flavorful base for your meal.
4. Sautéed Spinach: Quick-cooked spinach seasoned with garlic offers a nutritious addition.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
6. Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes topped with sour cream as a hearty side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly. To avoid tough and rubbery shrimp, cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
• Ignoring the Seasoning: Proper seasoning is key. Be generous with the blackened seasoning but taste as you go to ensure it doesn’t overpower the dish.
• Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a difference. Opt for freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
• Skipping the Pasta Water: Save some pasta water. Adding a bit of starchy pasta water to your sauce can help achieve a creamy consistency.
• Cooking Pasta in Unsalted Water: Salt enhances flavor. Always salt your boiling water before adding pasta to enhance its taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo

• You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to freeze only the sauce and cooked pasta separately.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
• It will last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1 minute, stirring in between until warmed throughout. Use a microwave-safe container.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of cream or pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo?

Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo is a delicious dish combining seasoned shrimp and tender steak served over creamy pasta. It’s perfect for any dinner occasion!

Can I use chicken instead of steak?

Yes! Chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. Simply substitute equal amounts of chicken breast or thighs cut into cubes.

How spicy is Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo?

The spiciness can vary depending on your choice of blackened seasoning. You can adjust the amount used according to your heat preference.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor, making it even more versatile.

Conclusion

Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo is not only rich in flavor but also easy to customize based on your preferences. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining guests, this dish impresses every time. Try it today, and feel free to experiment with different proteins or add-ins!

---