Introduction to Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo
Hey there, fellow home cooks! If you’re anything like me, you’ve had days when the kitchen feels more like a battlefield than a haven. That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo. This dish is not only a creamy, dreamy delight, but it’s also a quick solution for busy nights. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of love, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen. Trust me, your family will be begging for seconds, and you’ll feel like a culinary rockstar!
Why You’ll Love This Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo
This Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo is a lifesaver on hectic evenings. It marries convenience and flavor, making dinner feel like a celebration rather than a chore. You’ll love how it comes together in just 45 minutes, taking you from prep to a scrumptious meal without the fuss. The smoky, spicy blackened seasoning elevates basic shrimp and steak, turning it into a dish that feels special. You’ll want to keep making it again and again!
Ingredients for Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo
Gathering your ingredients for this Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo is half the fun! Each item brings its own flair to the dish, creating a symphony of flavors that perfectly blend together. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Penne Pasta: This sturdy pasta holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, providing a perfect base for our dish.
- Shrimp: Large, raw shrimp are the star of the show, bringing a sweet and succulent touch. Make sure they’re deveined and have the tails removed for easy eating!
- Blackened Seasoning: A mix of spices that adds a smoky, spicy flavor. You can easily make your own or buy a pre-made blend; either will work wonders!
- Vegetable Oil: Used for sautéing, it has a high smoke point and won’t overpower the dish.
- Top Sirloin Steak: Cut into cubes for easy cooking, this tender beef adds a rich depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the shrimp.
- Unsalted Butter: The key to creating a luscious sauce. It adds richness without adding too much salt.
- Yellow Onion: Diced for a touch of sweetness, onions offer a wonderful depth of flavor when sautéed.
- Garlic: Minced for aromatic goodness, it elevates everything with its irresistible fragrance.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This makes the sauce delightfully creamy and rich. Can you say comfort food?
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best meltability, this cheese brings a nutty flavor and thickness to the sauce.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Fresh Parsley: A colorful garnish that adds a fresh, herbal note to finish off the dish.
For those who like a bit of heat, consider adding extra blackened seasoning to taste! Make sure to check the bottom of the article for exact measurements—you’ll find everything neatly organized and ready for printing.
How to Make Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo
Now that you’ve gathered all the amazing ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo. Trust me, your family will be in for a treat!
Step 1: Cooking the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling like a happy cauldron, add in your penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—just firm enough to give that satisfying bite. Remember to reserve 240 ml of that pasta water before draining. This liquid will come in handy later to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed!
Step 2: Cooking the Shrimp
While the pasta is cooking, let’s treat those shrimp! Season them evenly with a generous sprinkle of blackened seasoning. Heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the shrimp. Cook them for just 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they’re slightly opaque. Overcooked shrimp can be tough, so keep an eye on them! Once done, transfer them to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 3: Cooking the Steak
Next up, it’s steak time! Season your steak cubes with blackened seasoning just like you did with the shrimp. Now, crank up the heat to high and add unsalted butter to the same skillet. As soon as the butter melts and starts to foam, drop in your steak cubes. Sear them for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until they’re browned and reach that perfect medium-rare temperature. Don’t forget to transfer the cooked steak to the plate with your shrimp.
Step 4: Making the Sauce
With the shrimp and steak resting, let’s make that creamy sauce! Lower the heat to medium and add your diced onions to the skillet. Sauté until they soften up, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and let those flavors mingle for an additional minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in 60 to 120 ml of the reserved pasta water. Add in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, extra blackened seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens up a bit.
Step 5: Combining Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Return the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss it all together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. If your sauce is looking a little thick, don’t hesitate to add more of that reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, carefully fold in the warm shrimp and steak mixture into the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness!
Tips for Success
- Always taste as you go! Adjust seasoning as needed to make it just right for your palate.
- To save time, prep your ingredients ahead of time—chop veggies or season protein in advance.
- For a creamier sauce, whisk in a bit more heavy cream or reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved.
- Don’t skimp on the cheese; freshly grated parmesan makes all the difference in flavor.
- Let the cooked shrimp and steak rest covered for juiciness before adding to the pasta.
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot: For boiling the pasta; a stockpot works well, too.
- Skillet: A 33 cm skillet is perfect, but a large frying pan will do the trick!
- Measuring Cups: For accurate ingredient portions; simple spoons will work in a pinch.
- Cutting Board and Knife: Essential for prepping your pork and veggies.
- Whisk: To mix the sauce together smoothly; a fork can handle small tasks if needed.
Variations of Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo
- Spicy Kick: Add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. It enhances the flavors while keeping that smoky profile!
- Veggie Lover’s Delight: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition. It’s a great way to sneak in those greens!
- Pesto Twist: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of pesto into the creamy sauce for an elevated flavor. It’s a tasty way to shake things up!
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the penne pasta for gluten-free pasta varieties, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this indulgent dish without worry.
- Skip to Seafood: If you’d like, you can replace steak with crab or scallops for a beautiful seafood-centric version that shines in flavor!
Serving Suggestions for Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo
- Pair with a crisp Caesar salad for a refreshing crunch that complements the rich Alfredo.
- Serve alongside garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce.
- A glass of chilled white wine, like Chardonnay, enhances the dish beautifully.
- For presentation, sprinkle extra parmesan and chopped parsley on top just before serving.
- Consider serving on warm plates to keep your meal piping hot!
FAQs about Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo
Can I make Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components in advance! Cook the pasta, shrimp, and steak separately, then assemble them when you’re ready to serve. This setup can save you time on busy evenings.
How spicy is Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The blackened seasoning gives it a hearty kick, but feel free to add more or less to suit your taste. You can also include optional spicy ingredients like jalapeños!
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. Frozen shrimp can still be delicious, making this dish super convenient!
What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream can work. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly to achieve the right consistency.
Is this dish healthy?
While Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo is definitely indulgent, it does offer a good balance of protein from the shrimp and steak, along with some carbs from the pasta. Enjoy it as an occasional treat alongside a healthy salad or veggies!
Final Thoughts
Making Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo is more than just cooking; it’s about creating a moment to share with loved ones. This creamy, flavorful dish brings smiles and satisfaction to the dinner table, reminding us that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. The blend of the smoky steak and tender shrimp paired with luscious pasta is a reminder of the joy of cooking at home. So, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this culinary adventure. Your family will not only appreciate the effort but will cherish the delicious memories made together!
Print
Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring blackened steak and shrimp, creating the perfect flavor combination.
Ingredients
- 225 g penne pasta
- 450 g large shrimp, raw, deveined, tails removed
- 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 450 g top sirloin steak, cut into 2.5 cm cubes
- 57 g unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 80 g)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 476 ml heavy whipping cream
- 200 g parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add penne and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 240 ml of pasta water; drain the rest. Set pasta aside.
- Season shrimp evenly with blackened seasoning. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet (33 cm) over medium heat. Once hot, add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until just opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Season steak cubes evenly with blackened seasoning. Increase skillet heat to high and add unsalted butter. Once butter starts to melt, add steak cubes. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side or until browned and medium-rare. Transfer steak to the plate with shrimp and keep covered.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3–5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in heavy cream and 60–120 ml of reserved pasta water. Add parmesan cheese, additional blackened seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly until cheese is fully melted and sauce slightly thickens.
- Return drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Add additional reserved pasta water, little by little, until reaching desired consistency.
- Top the coated pasta with cooked shrimp and steak. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more blackened seasoning to taste.
- Ensure shrimp are cooked until just opaque to avoid overcooking.
- Leftover Alfredo sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
