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If you’re craving a dish that brings together bold flavors and creamy indulgence, the Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is a total game-changer. Combining perfectly spiced steak and succulent shrimp with a luscious, cheesy alfredo sauce over tender penne, this dish is a celebration of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds) without hesitation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a vital role in crafting an unforgettable feast, from the tender penne pasta that holds the sauce beautifully, to the layers of blackened seasoning that pack a punch of smoky heat.
- 8 ounces penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to cradle creamy sauce in every bite.
- 1 pound large shrimp, raw, deveined, tail removed: Fresh and juicy, adding a sweet contrast to the rich alfredo.
- 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning: Imparts that signature smoky spice to the shrimp and steak.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For quick, even searing that locks in shrimp’s moisture.
- 1 pound top sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes: Tender chunks that get a beautiful crust and juicy interior.
- 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning: Coats the steak cubes to intensify flavor.
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps build the sauce’s creamy base.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (about ½ cup): Sweetness and depth that mellow the spice beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Garlic’s aroma and flavor bring warmth to the sauce.
- 2 cups (476 g) heavy whipping cream: The heart of the alfredo sauce, making it decadently smooth.
- 2 cups (200 g) parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Sharp, nutty notes that elevate the sauce to irresistible levels.
- 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning: A dash in the sauce for consistent flavor harmony.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors throughout the dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- Parsley, chopped for garnish: A fresh and colorful finishing touch.
How to Make Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the penne pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions closely so it retains a perfect bite to balance the creamy sauce. Before draining, save one cup of the pasta water—this will be your secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency later. Set the pasta aside and keep that pasta water handy!
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Season the shrimp evenly with one teaspoon of blackened seasoning to infuse them with smoky, aromatic spice. Heat the vegetable oil in a large 13-inch skillet over medium heat until it’s shimmering hot. Add the shrimp and cook quickly, about 1 to 2 minutes per side, until they blush pink and curl just right. Remove them from the skillet and tent with foil to keep warm—these little beauties will be waiting for their grand finale moment.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Now, turn up the heat to high and season your steak cubes liberally with blackened seasoning. Melt the butter in the same skillet; once bubbly, add the steak pieces. Sear them for 1 to 2 minutes per side so they develop that gorgeous caramelized crust while staying pink and juicy inside. Like the shrimp, transfer the steak to the plate with the shrimp and cover gently. That skillet now holds all the flavor magic.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add diced onion to the skillet, cooking until tender and translucent—this soft sweetness balances the blackened flavors perfectly. Toss in the minced garlic next, cooking just long enough for that fragrant punch. Now pour in the heavy cream, add about ¼ to ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Season with a tablespoon of blackened seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring as the cheese melts and the sauce thickens into velvety, dreamy perfection.
Step 5: Toss Pasta in Sauce
Return the penne pasta to the skillet, gently folding it into the velvety cheese sauce. Use more reserved pasta water as needed to reach your ideal consistency—silky and smooth without being too thick. This is where the dish truly comes together, every piece of pasta getting coated in that irresistible sauce.
Step 6: Serve with Steak and Shrimp
Finally, crown the creamy pasta with your perfectly cooked shrimp and steak cubes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. Serve immediately to enjoy every bite at its luscious, creamy peak.
How to Serve Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped parsley is a classic garnish here, adding freshness and a touch of green that wakes up the plate. If you’re feeling adventurous, a light sprinkle of extra parmesan or a few chili flakes can add another layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite rich and hearty, so serving it alongside crisp, simple sides works beautifully. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess, or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli create a wonderful contrast in texture and color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a little extra wow factor, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls and pile the steak and shrimp on top like edible jewels. Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon over the shrimp to brighten the flavors. You can also add toasted garlic bread on the side for dipping into the luscious sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, but it will reheat beautifully with a little care. The steak and shrimp stay tender if refrigerated promptly and handled gently.
Freezing
While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. For best results, freeze the pasta and sauce separately from the steak and shrimp to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Add the steak and shrimp toward the end just to warm through, preventing them from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of penne?
Absolutely! Fettuccine, rigatoni, or even bowtie pasta work wonderfully because they all hold the creamy sauce well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly for al dente.
Is blackened seasoning very spicy?
Blackened seasoning usually has a nice balance of smoky, savory, and spicy notes, but it’s not overwhelmingly hot. You can always adjust the amount or choose a milder blend if you prefer less heat.
Can I substitute shrimp or steak with other proteins?
Yes! Chicken breast or thighs are great alternatives and pair well with the blackened seasoning and creamy alfredo sauce. Just adjust cooking times to ensure they’re cooked through.
How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
To thicken, cook the sauce a bit longer to let it reduce, or add more cheese. To thin it out, stir in reserved pasta water or a splash of cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The classic recipe uses regular penne pasta, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and check that your blackened seasoning does not contain gluten ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is a showstopper that anyone can make at home. Whether it’s a special dinner or a weekend treat, the combination of spicy, smoky blackened flavors with rich, creamy alfredo is nothing short of magical. So go ahead, gather the ingredients, and dive into a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate—you won’t regret it!
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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
Savor a rich and flavorful Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo, featuring tender cubed sirloin and perfectly seasoned shrimp tossed with penne pasta in a creamy blackened seasoning-infused parmesan sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish combines classic Italian creamy Alfredo with bold Cajun-inspired spices for a satisfying and elegant meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, raw, deveined, tail removed
- 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Steak
- 1 pound top sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning
- 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
- 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 the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set 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 shrimp to a plate and tent 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 start to bubble. Place steak cubes in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until nicely 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, ¼ to ½ cup reserved pasta water, and 2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir in 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Continue stirring 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 evenly, adding additional pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Serve: Top the pasta with the cooked shrimp and steak cubes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the Alfredo sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Cook steak cubes to your preferred doneness; 1-2 minutes per side yields medium-rare to medium.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- Blackened seasoning can be adjusted to taste for spice level.
- Ensure shrimp is fully cooked (opaque and pink) but not overcooked to stay tender.
