Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo

Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo is my go to when I want a dinner that feels both indulgent and a little bit spicy. The mix of seared steak and tender shrimp in a creamy parmesan sauce gives you that perfect surf and turf flavor all on a bed of luscious pasta. Every bite is a little bit of celebration.

I remember pulling this dish together for an impromptu birthday dinner and it was the only thing everyone talked about all night. Now it is my favorite request when friends come over.

Ingredients

• Penne pasta: because its shape holds onto the creamy sauce
• Large raw shrimp: for sweet seafood flavor choose wild caught if you can
• Blackened seasoning: gives the dish signature smoky spicy notes look for a blend with real paprika
• Vegetable oil: gets the shrimp extra crisp in the skillet
• Top sirloin steak: for tender meaty cubes pick a steak with some marbling for best flavor
• Unsalted butter: for richness always use real butter for the best browning
• Small yellow onion: brings a little sweetness and depth
• Minced garlic: for warmth and punch use fresh for the best aroma
• Heavy whipping cream: makes the sauce extra luscious
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: melts smoothly and adds nutty flavor buy a wedge and grate it yourself
• Kosher salt and black pepper: to pull everything together use coarse salt for easy seasoning
• Parsley: for a fresh bright finish

Instructions

Bring the Water to a Boil:

Fill a large pot with well salted water and set it over medium high heat until you see a rolling boil Then add your penne pasta and cook until just al dente which means the pasta should still have a slight bite Reserve one cup of the pasta water to help finish the sauce later and then drain the rest

Season and Sear the Shrimp:

Lay your shrimp on a plate and sprinkle them evenly on both sides with blackened seasoning Heat a large skillet over medium heat When the pan is hot add the oil and swirl to coat Lay the shrimp in a single layer and let them cook for one to two minutes on each side until they are pink and just cooked through Transfer them right away to a plate and loosely cover to keep warm

Sear the Steak:

Pat your steak pieces dry with a paper towel and sprinkle on the remaining blackened seasoning Turn the heat up to high Add half the butter to your skillet and let it melt quickly Add the steak cubes in a single layer Do not stir right away so you get a deep brown crust Sear for one to two minutes per side until the outsides are browned but the middles stay pink Transfer the steak to the plate with the shrimp and tent to hold the heat

Build the Alfredo Sauce:

Turn the skillet heat down to medium Add the diced onion and cook stirring often until the pieces start to soften and turn translucent which takes about three to five minutes Add the minced garlic and stir for one minute just until fragrant

Finish the Sauce:

Pour in the heavy cream and a splash of the reserved pasta water Start with a quarter cup You want to loosen any browned bits from the pan Add your parmesan cheese blackened seasoning salt and pepper Keep stirring as the cheese melts and you see the sauce thicken If it gets too thick add another splash of pasta water

Combine and Serve:

Add your cooked penne right into the skillet Toss gently to coat every piece with sauce Add more pasta water if you want it silkier Arrange your shrimp and steak over the pasta right in the skillet Sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish Serve while hot for the ultimate creamy and spicy bite

The blackened seasoning is my absolute favorite part I love experimenting with homemade blends and dialing up the heat My youngest once tried to pick out all the shrimp just for herself which turned into the funniest dinnertime negotiation we have ever had

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to three days Gently reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or pasta water to keep the sauce loose Avoid microwaving at high heat as it can toughen the shrimp

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken breast for steak if you want a lighter twist If shrimp is not your thing use scallops or even extra steak For the sauce half and half works in place of cream but the result will be less rich

Serving Suggestions

I love this pasta with a crisp green salad and garlic bread A glass of cold white wine like chardonnay pairs beautifully For extra veggies stir in spinach or cooked broccoli at the end

Cultural and Historical Context

Blackened seasoning is rooted in Cajun and Creole cuisine which celebrate bold flavors and high heat cooking Surf and turf dishes like this one reflect a blend of southern steakhouses and Gulf Coast seafood traditions

Seasonal Adaptations

In spring swap parsley for fresh chives or dill Summer ripe cherry tomatoes add color and bright flavor Winter roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms deepen the dish

Success Stories

I have served this at birthday gatherings date nights and even a small holiday dinner Each time guests are wowed and ask for the recipe Several friends have told me it is now their own go to for making an ordinary night feel special

Freezer Meal Conversion

Portion into freezer safe containers and chill fully before freezing To reheat let thaw overnight and then warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or milk Pasta may soften a little but the flavors hold up so well

Serve this when you want to treat yourself and your friends every time. It is a dish sure to impress with bold flavors and a luxurious creamy finish.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I ensure shrimp stays tender?

Cook shrimp over medium heat just until pink and firm, usually 1-2 minutes per side, to prevent overcooking.

→ Can I substitute another pasta shape?

Yes, penne is recommended for sauce retention, but fettuccine, linguine, or rigatoni also work well in this dish.

→ What’s the best steak cut for this dish?

Top sirloin is a tender, flavorful choice, but strip or ribeye steak can also be used for a richer taste.

→ How can I balance the spice level?

Adjust the blackened seasoning to your preference, or use less for milder flavor. Add more if you like extra heat.

→ How do I get a creamy Alfredo sauce?

Allow parmesan cheese to melt fully into the cream over medium heat, stirring steadily for a smooth, rich texture.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

For best results, cook the steak and shrimp fresh. Pasta and sauce may be prepped ahead and gently reheated.