Why You’ll Love Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
This dish is impressive yet simple to make, offering restaurant-quality flavors from your own kitchen:
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Bold blackened seasoning gives both steak and shrimp a smoky, spicy crust.
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A homemade Alfredo sauce that’s ultra-creamy and rich.
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Surf-and-turf comfort food in one satisfying bowl.
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Ready in about 35 minutes, perfect for dinner any night.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
penne pasta (sturdy pasta like penne)
large shrimp, peeled and deveined
blackened seasoning
vegetable oil
top sirloin steak, cut into cubes
unsalted butter
yellow onion, minced
garlic, minced
heavy whipping cream
parmesan cheese, freshly grated
kosher salt and black pepper
fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente, about 10–11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
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Blacken the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and season with blackened seasoning. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Sear the steak: Turn heat to high and add butter to the skillet. Add steak cubes and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned outside and slightly pink inside. Remove and set aside.
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Make the Alfredo sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add onions to the pan and cook until soft, about 3–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and a bit of the reserved pasta water. Add parmesan cheese, a pinch of blackened seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until sauce thickens.
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Combine: Toss the drained pasta into the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Add the shrimp and steak back to the skillet. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Spice level: Add extra cayenne or hot paprika to the blackened seasoning if you want more heat.
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Vegetable boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Pasta swap: Fettuccine, rigatoni, or linguine work well in place of penne.
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Lighter sauce: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.
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Different protein: Swap out the shrimp for scallops or chicken for a variation on surf-and-turf.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the pasta, sauce, and proteins separately.
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Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the dish to retain moisture.
FAQs
What can I substitute for blackened seasoning?
You can make your own using a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and make sure your blackened seasoning is also gluten-free.
Is it better to use fresh or frozen shrimp?
Fresh or fully thawed shrimp will give the best sear and texture.
How can I tell when the steak is cooked properly?
Cook until a seared crust forms on the outside and the center is still slightly pink for juicy, tender steak.
Can this be prepared ahead of time?
You can cook the components ahead of time, but for best flavor and texture, assemble everything and toss with sauce right before serving.
What type of pasta should I use?
Penne is a great choice for holding sauce, but you can use other shapes like fettuccine, rigatoni, or linguine.
Can I use pre-grated parmesan?
Freshly grated parmesan melts better and has richer flavor, but pre-grated will work in a pinch.
How spicy is this dish?
That depends on your blackened seasoning. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less cayenne pepper.
Can leftovers be frozen?
Yes, but for best texture, freeze the components separately and reheat gently after thawing.
What side dishes pair well with this?
Serve with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
Conclusion
Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo is a flavorful fusion of spice, cream, and protein-packed indulgence. Whether you’re serving it up on a busy weeknight or for a special dinner, this dish delivers comfort and elegance in every bite. It’s easy to customize and even easier to love.
