Why You’ll Love This Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo
This delicious Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo is a meal that’s sure to impress! Here’s why you’ll love making it:
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be made in under an hour, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Perfect for Beginners: Simple steps ensure that even novice cooks can master this recipe.
- Ideal for the Whole Family: Rich and savory, it caters to all tastes and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Economical: A delightful restaurant-style dish made from affordable ingredients you can easily find.
- Impressive: Perfect for special occasions or impressing guests with your culinary skills without spending hours in the kitchen.
The Necessary Ingredients
To create this mouth-watering Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp (raw, deveined, tail removed)
- 1 pound top sirloin steak (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Blackened seasoning (to taste)
- Kosher salt and black pepper
Notes and Substitutions on Ingredients
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Penne Pasta: This pasta shape is great for holding onto the creamy sauce. If you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with fettuccine or spaghetti, but the cook time may vary slightly.
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Heavy Whipping Cream: This is what makes your sauce rich and creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
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Top Sirloin Steak: This cut of beef is flavorful and tender when cooked properly. If you cannot find top sirloin, flank steak or ribeye would also work well.
How to Prepare the Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo Step by Step
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Cook the Penne Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Pro Tip: Always salt your pasta water! It enhances the flavor of the pasta. -
Prepare the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the raw shrimp with blackened seasoning until they are evenly coated. Make sure every shrimp is covered for a flavorful bite.
Pro Tip: Let the shrimp sit for a few minutes after seasoning for even more flavor. -
Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary for the shrimp to get a nice sear. -
Sear the Steak: In the same skillet, add the seasoned steak cubes. Cook until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Pro Tip: Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking. -
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Pro Tip: Stir constantly to prevent the garlic from burning and becoming bitter. -
Make the Alfredo Sauce: Whisk in the heavy cream, then stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth. Season with additional blackened seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste.
Pro Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother sauce—it melts more easily compared to pre-grated cheese! -
Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat the pasta in the Alfredo sauce. Finally, add the sautéed shrimp and seared steak, tossing everything together.
Pro Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen it up. -
Serve and Garnish: Serve hot in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Pro Tip: Add extra grated Parmesan on top for a delicious finishing touch!
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo with these serving suggestions:
Perfect Pairings
- Drinks: A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the richness of the Alfredo.
- Side Dishes: Serve with a simple Caesar salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.
Occasions
- Weeknight Dinner: Quick enough for a busy night but also elegant enough for company.
- Special Occasion: This dish is perfect for celebrating anniversaries or special milestones with family and friends.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Consider layering the steak and shrimp on top of the pasta for visual appeal.
- Garnishing: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives can add a pop of color and freshness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo fresh, follow these guidelines:
Refrigerated
- Duration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Type of Container: Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers for optimal freshness.
Frozen
- If Possible: This dish can be frozen, but be mindful that the cream sauce might change texture upon reheating.
- Packaging: Place in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and vacuum seal if possible.
- Defrosting: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
- Best Method: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or pasta cooking water to help bring back the sauce’s creaminess.
Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave; cover with a microwave-safe lid to retain moisture.
Guaranteed Success Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Cook just until they are pink and opaque; they become rubbery if overcooked.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your sauce before serving; you may need to tweak the seasoning.
- Pasta Cooked Al Dente: This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and cheeses make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Let the Steak Rest: Resting the steak after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making it more tender.
Recipe Variations
- For a Spicy Version: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a kick of heat.
- For a Veggie Option: Substitute shrimp and steak with a mix of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
- For a Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your blackened seasoning doesn’t contain gluten.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, but thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure they sear properly.
Q: What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
A: Add a splash of pasta cooking water or heavy cream to thin it out gradually.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta in advance. Combine just before serving to ensure freshness.
Q: Do I have to use penne pasta?
A: Not at all! Feel free to substitute with any pasta of your choice, like fusilli or rigatoni.
Q: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor in your sauce.
Q: Why does my sauce separate?
A: This can happen if the sauce gets too hot or if not enough emulsifying is done when mixing. Keep the heat lower when cooking.
Q: How do I know when the steak is done?
A: A meat thermometer can be your best friend. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F (54°C). Adjust according to your preference.
With this recipe, you’re well on your way to creating a dish that is both comforting and gourmet at the same time. Enjoy making your Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo, and don’t forget to share your delicious results!
Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo
Ingredients Â
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta Can substitute with fettuccine or spaghetti.
Seafood
- 1 pound large shrimp (raw, deveined, tail removed) Thaw if frozen and pat dry before seasoning.
Meat
- 1 pound top sirloin steak (cut into 1-inch cubes) Can substitute with flank steak or ribeye.
Sauce Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese Use fresh for a smoother sauce.
- to taste blackened seasoning
- to taste Kosher salt and black pepper
InstructionsÂ
Preparation
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, toss the raw shrimp with blackened seasoning until evenly coated. Let them sit for a few minutes for more flavor.
Cooking
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the seasoned steak cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Whisk in the heavy cream, then stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth. Season with additional blackened seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat in the Alfredo sauce. Finally, add the sautéed shrimp and seared steak, tossing everything together.
- Serve hot in bowls, garnishing with chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan if desired.