What makes the perfect weeknight dinner? For me, it’s a quick and easy homemade dish like spicy blackened steak and shrimp alfredo, loaded with garlic and parmesan cheese. Pan-seared to perfection, this family favorite is sure to please. Save this idea for your next easy dinner inspiration.

Spicy Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the tender richness of steak, the succulent sweetness of shrimp, and the creamy indulgence of Alfredo sauce, all infused with a spicy kick that will leave your taste buds dancing. Welcome to the world of Spicy Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo, a culinary masterpiece that is as easy to make as it is impressive to serve. This recipe is a testament to the magic that happens when everyday ingredients are combined with a dash of creativity and a pinch of spice. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this dish promises to delight your senses and leave you wanting more.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The beauty of this recipe lies in its perfect balance of flavors, from the savory blackening seasoning to the rich Alfredo sauce, all achievable with ingredients you can easily find in your local grocery store.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its sophisticated taste, this dish is remarkably easy to prepare. With a few simple steps, you can transform basic ingredients into a gourmet meal.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: What makes this recipe truly special is the impressive presentation and flavor it yields with minimal effort. It’s perfect for special occasions or a quick weeknight dinner that feels like a luxury.

Key Ingredients

The heart of this recipe lies in its key ingredients: steak, shrimp, blackening seasoning, fettuccine pasta, garlic, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. For the steak, you can use ribeye or strip loin for the best flavor and texture. Shrimp should be large and fresh for optimal taste. If you can’t find blackening seasoning, you can make your own with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano. Feel free to substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative for a lighter version.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the parsley, mince the garlic, and grate the parmesan cheese. Season the steak and shrimp with blackening seasoning, making sure they are evenly coated.
2. Step 2: Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside to rest. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary, then add the shrimp. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re pink and fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside with the steak.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add more olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes until it starts to thicken. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it’s fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
4. Step 4: Slice the rested steak into thin strips. Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss until the pasta is well coated. To serve, place a portion of the pasta on a plate, top it with slices of the blackened steak and a few shrimp, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Handy Tips

• For an extra spicy kick, you can add diced jalapeños to the Alfredo sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the dish before serving.
• Don’t overcook the steak or the shrimp. The steak should be cooked to your desired level of doneness, and the shrimp should be just cooked through to retain their tenderness.
• If you find the Alfredo sauce too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of pasta water. Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when cooking the steak and shrimp. For the steak, you want a nice sear, which means getting the skillet very hot before adding the steak. For medium-rare, cook the steak for 3-4 minutes per side. The internal temperature should be at least 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium, and 150°F (65°C) for medium-well or well-done. For the shrimp, cook them until they turn pink and are fully opaque, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on their size.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the slightly charred exterior of the blackened steak and the crunch of fresh parsley on top. To enhance the crunch, you can also sprinkle some toasted bread crumbs or chopped nuts over the dish before serving. The key is to balance textures, so the creamy pasta and sauce are offset by crunchy elements.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your dish will taste. Choose fresh parsley, real parmesan cheese, and the best cut of steak you can afford.
• Don’t overmix: When combining the pasta with the Alfredo sauce, toss it gently to avoid overmixing, which can make the pasta clumpy and unpleasant.
• Clean as you go: To make cleanup easier, clean your utensils and pans as you go. This will prevent food from drying onto them and make the overall cooking process more enjoyable.

Storage Tips

• Leftover storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta and sauce can be stored together, but it’s best to store the steak and shrimp separately to prevent moisture from making the pasta soggy.
• Reheating tips: To reheat, place the pasta and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can reheat the steak and shrimp in the microwave or in a skillet with a bit of oil until warmed through.
• Shelf life: Cooked pasta and sauce can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cooked steak and shrimp are best consumed within a day or two for optimal flavor and safety.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While this dish is best served fresh, if you’re looking to gift something related, consider packaging the blackening seasoning mix in a decorative jar, along with a recipe card for the Spicy Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo. You could also gift a bottle of good olive oil, a block of parmesan cheese, or a packet of high-quality fettuccine pasta, all of which are essential components of the dish.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Experiment with different spice blends for the blackening seasoning, such as adding more cayenne for extra heat or using smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Creative toppings: Consider adding other toppings to customize the dish, such as diced tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or sliced olives.
• Ingredient swaps: For a vegetarian version, you could swap the steak and shrimp with roasted or grilled portobello mushrooms and add some sautéed spinach for extra nutrition.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your Alfredo sauce turns out too thick, try thinning it with a bit of pasta water. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few minutes to reduce it.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find certain ingredients, such as fresh parsley, you can substitute them with dried parsley or even basil as a last resort.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your steak and shrimp while they’re cooking. If the steak is overcooked, it will be tough and dry. If the shrimp are undercooked, they will be translucent and soft to the touch.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked pasta and Alfredo sauce for up to 2 months. However, it’s best to freeze them separately for easier reheating. Cooked steak and shrimp are best consumed fresh but can be frozen for up to a month.
• Is it gluten-free? The recipe as described is not gluten-free due to the pasta. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the fettuccine with gluten-free pasta.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or even triple this recipe for larger gatherings. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly for the steak and shrimp.

Conclusion

Spicy Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo is a recipe that embodies the essence of creative cooking, combining rich flavors and textures in a dish that’s both impressive and accessible. Whether you’re a foodie, a busy parent, or just someone who loves good food, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, experiment with the flavors, share it with friends and family, and enjoy the process of creating something truly delicious. Happy cooking!