Craving a meal that combines the rich flavors of blackened steak, succulent shrimp, and creamy Alfredo sauce? Look no further! This Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo recipe is the perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and creamy goodness, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a gourmet dinner, this recipe will guide you through every step to ensure a memorable dining experience.
Ingredients
- For the Blackened Steak:
- 1 lb (450 g) ribeye or sirloin steak, cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- For the Blackened Shrimp:
- ½ lb (225 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or your pasta of choice
- Salt, for pasta water
Instructions
1. Prepare the Blackened Steak
- Season the Steak:
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the blackening seasoning.
- Rub the steak strips with olive oil, then coat them evenly with the blackening seasoning.
- Cook the Steak:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned steak strips. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until the steak is browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside. Cover with foil to keep warm.
2. Prepare the Blackened Shrimp
- Season the Shrimp:
- In the same small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the blackening seasoning for the shrimp.
- Toss the shrimp in olive oil, then coat them evenly with the blackening seasoning.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In the same skillet used for the steak, add another tablespoon of olive oil or butter.
- Add the shrimp to the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they are opaque and cooked through.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the steak.
3. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
- Make the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream slightly thickens.
- Add the Parmesan:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Keep the sauce warm on low heat.
4. Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
5. Assemble the Dish
- Combine the Pasta and Alfredo Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Top with Steak and Shrimp:
- Plate the pasta and Alfredo sauce on a large serving platter or individual plates.
- Top with the blackened steak strips and shrimp, arranging them evenly over the pasta.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, while the dish is hot and the flavors are at their peak.
Tips for Success
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality steak and shrimp for the best flavor. Ribeye steak is recommended for its marbling, which adds extra richness to the dish.
- Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the steak and shrimp. They should be tender and juicy, not tough or dry.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the blackening seasoning. Conversely, if you like it spicy, feel free to add more!
- Customize the Sauce: For a richer Alfredo sauce, you can add an extra tablespoon of butter or a splash of white wine while it’s cooking.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
This Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo recipe is sure to impress with its bold flavors and luxurious textures. It’s the perfect dish for a special dinner or when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. Enjoy this indulgent meal and savor every bite!