If you love a creamy, indulgent pasta dish but are looking for something with a bit more excitement and flavor, then blackened steak and shrimp alfredo might just be the recipe you need to try! This dish combines the rich, creamy goodness of classic Alfredo with the bold, smoky flavor of blackened steak and shrimp. It’s an easy-to-make, restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone at the dinner table asking for seconds.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this mouthwatering dish. We’ll share everything from the ingredients to the step-by-step instructions, plus a few handy tips to ensure your blackened steak and shrimp alfredo turns out perfectly every time. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo
Before we get into the recipe, let’s take a moment to talk about why blackened steak and shrimp alfredo is a dish worth making:
- Bold, Smoky Flavor: The blackened seasoning adds a burst of flavor to the steak and shrimp, with a mix of spices that creates a crispy, charred crust. It’s a perfect contrast to the creamy, comforting Alfredo sauce.
- Perfectly Balanced: The rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce complements the smoky steak and shrimp beautifully. Together, they create a satisfying meal that’s both decadent and flavorful.
- Quick and Easy: You don’t have to be a professional chef to make this dish. It comes together quickly with just a few ingredients and basic cooking techniques.
- Impressive Yet Simple: Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a special occasion, or just because, this dish looks and tastes impressive without being too complicated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this mouthwatering blackened steak and shrimp alfredo, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Luckily, most of them are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the blackened steak:
- 2 boneless ribeye steaks (or any steak of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons of blackened seasoning (you can buy pre-made blackened seasoning or make your own by mixing paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and salt)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (for searing the steak)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon of blackened seasoning (use the same seasoning as for the steak)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for cooking the shrimp)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the pasta:
- 8 oz of fettuccine pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- Salt (for seasoning the pasta water)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious dish. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds, and you’ll be able to enjoy a flavorful, creamy meal in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. Be sure to reserve a little bit of pasta water, about 1/4 cup, to help thin the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Blacken the Steak
While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to cook the steak. Start by patting the steaks dry with paper towels. This will help the blackened seasoning stick and ensure a nice sear. Rub the blackened seasoning generously on both sides of each steak.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steaks to the pan. Sear each side of the steak for about 3-4 minutes, or until a nice, blackened crust forms. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your steak and how well done you like it, so adjust as needed. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C).
Once the steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the skillet and set them aside to rest. After resting for a few minutes, slice the steaks against the grain into thin strips.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Next, it’s time to cook the shrimp. In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the shrimp with the blackened seasoning on both sides.
Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they cook very quickly! Once the shrimp are done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Now, it’s time to make the rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. In the same skillet (with the delicious steak and shrimp drippings), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic is fragrant.
Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, if using, and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Once the Alfredo sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the creamy sauce. Then, add the blackened steak strips and shrimp to the pasta and toss everything together until well combined.
If you like, you can sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy kick.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Your blackened steak and shrimp Alfredo is now ready to serve! Dish out the pasta onto plates, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and maybe even a few more Parmesan shavings. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while it’s hot and creamy.
Tips for Perfect Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo
While this dish is easy to make, here are a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overcook the Meat and Shrimp: Both the steak and shrimp cook quickly, so be mindful of the cooking time. Overcooking them can lead to dry steak or rubbery shrimp.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded Parmesan often contains additives that can affect the sauce’s texture.
- Customize the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder version, feel free to adjust the amount of blackened seasoning or skip the cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix.
- Add Vegetables: If you want to add some veggies, consider tossing in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.
Why This Recipe Works
Blackened steak and shrimp Alfredo is a perfect combination of creamy, smoky, and savory flavors. The blackened seasoning gives the steak and shrimp a bold, slightly spicy crust, while the Alfredo sauce provides the rich, creamy base that ties everything together. The pasta absorbs the flavors of the sauce, making every bite satisfying and delicious.
This dish is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve for a special occasion. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can adjust the spice level or add vegetables to suit your preferences.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a comforting yet exciting dish that combines the boldness of blackened steak and shrimp with the creamy goodness of Alfredo pasta, then blackened steak and shrimp Alfredo is the perfect recipe for you. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor—what’s not to love?
So, the next time you’re craving something indulgent and delicious, give this dish a try. We promise it will be a hit at your dinner table!