Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo
Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo is an incredible dish that brings together the bold flavors of blackened seasoning with succulent shrimp and tender steak, all enveloped in a creamy alfredo sauce. Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or special occasions, this meal is sure to impress anyone at your table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe will elevate your mealtime experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of blackened shrimp and steak delivers a burst of flavor that is irresistible.
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, you can enjoy this dish in under an hour.
- Versatile Dish: Great for both casual weeknight dinners and fancy gatherings; it suits any occasion!
- Creamy Comfort: The rich alfredo sauce perfectly complements the spiced proteins, making every bite creamy and satisfying.
- Easy Cleanup: With minimal cookware needed, you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time cleaning up.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife for chopping ingredients
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for searing the steak and shrimp evenly while allowing enough space to cook everything together.
- Pot for boiling pasta: Ensures that your penne cooks perfectly al dente before adding it to the sauce.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, (raw, deveined, tail removed)
- 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Steak
- 1 pound top sirloin steak, (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, (diced (about ½ cup))
- 2 teaspoons garlic, (minced)
- 2 cups (476 g) heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups (200 g) parmesan cheese, (freshly grated)
- 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish
- Parsley, (chopped for garnish)
How to Make Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook Shrimp
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with 1 teaspoon of blackened seasoning until well-coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
- In the same skillet, add cubed steak seasoned with another teaspoon of blackened seasoning.
- Sear steak on high heat for about 5-6 minutes until browned but not overcooked. Remove from skillet.
Step 4: Prepare Alfredo Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium; add butter to the skillet until melted.
- Stir in diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until onions are translucent.
- Pour in heavy whipping cream while stirring continuously; cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually mix in parmesan cheese until melted; season with salt, pepper, and remaining blackened seasoning.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return cooked shrimp and steak to the skillet, mixing well with the sauce.
- Add cooked penne pasta to the mixture; toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 6: Serve
- Plate generously; garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo!
How to Serve Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo
Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo is best served hot and fresh, allowing the flavors to shine. Pair it with complementary sides or garnishes for a complete meal experience.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh touch and color.
- Chives: Sprinkle finely chopped chives for a mild onion flavor.
Pair with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread complements the creamy sauce.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Add a Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with creamy dressing balances the richness of the alfredo.
- Mixed Greens: Lightly dressed mixed greens add freshness to your plate.
Enjoy with Wine
- Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay enhances the flavors of the dish.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: This red wine pairs well with the steak’s richness.

How to Perfect Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo
Creating the perfect Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh shrimp and high-quality steak for better flavor and texture.
- Control Heat Carefully: Ensure your skillet is hot enough to achieve that signature blackened crust without burning.
- Make Your Sauce from Scratch: Homemade alfredo sauce tastes much better than store-bought varieties.
- Season Generously: Don’t hold back on the blackened seasoning; it’s key to achieving robust flavor.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: This helps prevent mushy pasta in your final dish.
- Serve Immediately: The dish tastes best when served right after cooking, maintaining the creamy texture.
Best Side Dishes for Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo
To make your meal even more delightful, consider serving these side dishes alongside your Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo.
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds nutrition and color; season lightly with salt.
- Roasted Asparagus: Roasted asparagus brings earthy flavors that complement the dish beautifully.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the rich alfredo sauce.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn provides a nice balance to savory flavors; serve it with butter.
- Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with sour cream or cheese for extra comfort.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes enhance the meal’s richness while being comforting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the dish’s outcome. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink to avoid rubbery texture.
- Not seasoning enough: The blackened seasoning is key for flavor. Make sure to coat both the shrimp and steak generously for the best taste.
- Using pre-grated cheese: Pre-packaged cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. Use freshly grated parmesan for a creamy sauce.
- Skipping the resting time for steak: Allow the steak to rest after cooking. This helps retain juices, ensuring a tender bite.
- Not tasting while cooking: Always taste your sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. This way, you can ensure a perfect flavor balance before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Best if consumed within 2-3 months.
Reheating Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:
How do I make Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo spicier?
To add more heat, consider using extra blackened seasoning or adding crushed red pepper flakes during cooking.
Can I use other types of pasta for this dish?
Absolutely! While penne is recommended, any pasta shape like fettuccine or linguine works well with this creamy sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk. Keep in mind that this may alter the creaminess slightly.
How can I customize Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. You could also switch out shrimp for chicken if desired.
Final Thoughts
Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo is a delightful dish that offers rich flavors and creamy goodness. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your preferences, making it suitable for different occasions. Whether you’re preparing dinner for family or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy cravings. Give it a try today!

Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the bold flavors of Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo, a delicious dish that combines perfectly seasoned shrimp and tender steak with a rich, creamy alfredo sauce. This restaurant-quality meal is ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a romantic date night or a family gathering. With its quick preparation and straightforward cooking process, even novice cooks can impress their guests. The blackened seasoning enhances the proteins, while the creamy sauce envelops everything in comfort.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp (raw, deveined)
- 1 pound top sirloin steak (cut into cubes)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons blackened seasoning
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta until al dente; drain.
- Season shrimp with blackened seasoning and sauté in a skillet until pink; set aside.
- Sear seasoned steak cubes in the same skillet until browned; remove.
- In the skillet, melt butter, sauté onion and garlic, then stir in cream and parmesan to make the sauce.
- Return shrimp and steak to the skillet, combine with pasta, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (400g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 180mg