If you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal that feels like home comfort, this Easy Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo recipe is just what you need. It brings together tender steak, juicy shrimp, and creamy pasta all in one bowl — a true surf-and-turf dream made simple for your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo
This dish hits every craving at once — creamy, smoky, and savory. The blackened seasoning gives the shrimp and steak bold flavor, while the homemade Alfredo sauce keeps everything rich and satisfying. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet special enough to serve on a celebration night.
Here’s why it’s a keeper:
- Quick prep with minimal dishes
- Uses simple, fresh ingredients
- The Alfredo sauce comes together in one pan
- Works beautifully with chicken, mushrooms, or even tofu
- Looks fancy, tastes comforting
Ingredients for Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo
For the Pasta
- 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta or any short pasta you love
- Salt for boiling water
For the Protein
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb (450 g) sirloin steak, cubed
- 2 Tbsp blackened seasoning, divided
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
For the Alfredo Sauce
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp each kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Cream – You can lighten the sauce by swapping half the cream for unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk with a splash of chicken broth.
- Steak Alternatives – Use grilled chicken, smoked turkey, or seared tofu if you prefer leaner or meat-free options.
- Cheese Options – For dairy-free versions, try nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
- Spice Level – Blackened seasoning can vary in heat; for a milder dish, cut it in half or use Cajun seasoning with reduced cayenne.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your penne pasta and cook until al dente (about 9–10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 2 – Season and Cook the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 Tbsp blackened seasoning until evenly coated. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until opaque and slightly crisp around the edges. Transfer to a plate.
Step 3 – Sear the Steak
Pat the cubed steak dry, then season with the remaining blackened seasoning. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add steak cubes and sear 2–3 minutes per side until browned outside but still tender inside. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.
Step 4 – Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t clean it — those brown bits add flavor!), add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5 – Combine Everything
Toss in the cooked pasta, stirring until it’s fully coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Finally, fold in the shrimp and steak, letting everything warm together for a minute.
Step 6 – Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for color and freshness. Serve right away with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad.
Pro Tips for Success
Flavor Variations
- Cajun Chicken Alfredo – Swap steak and shrimp for chicken breast.
- Vegetable Alfredo – Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers.
- Lemon Herb Alfredo – Add lemon zest and a squeeze of juice for brightness.
- Spicy Creole Alfredo – Stir in a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika.
- Bacon-Style Alfredo – Use smoked turkey strips for a hint of “bacon” flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo warm with:
- Garlic breadsticks or a crusty baguette
- Fresh green salad with Italian dressing
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus on the side
- A light fruit salad for dessert
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: You can freeze portions for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 720 kcal |
| Protein | 42 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 40 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
(Values are approximate and based on a 4-serving recipe.)
FAQ About Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo
What is blackened seasoning?
Blackened seasoning is a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and pepper. It adds a smoky, bold kick to meats and seafood — without being overly spicy.
Can I make this Alfredo without heavy cream?
Yes! Use half milk and half chicken broth for a lighter sauce. Add a teaspoon of cornstarch if you’d like it thicker.
What’s the best steak for this recipe?
Sirloin or ribeye work beautifully. If you want a leaner cut, try flank steak — just slice it thinly against the grain after cooking.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can cook the pasta and proteins ahead, then assemble with the sauce when ready to serve. The sauce tastes best freshly made.
How do I make it less spicy?
Use half the seasoning or choose a mild Cajun blend. You can also stir in a bit more cream to mellow out the flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is proof that you don’t need a restaurant reservation to enjoy something special. Every bite combines smoky spice, creamy sauce, and tender pasta in one delicious dish. Perfect for Sunday dinner or anytime you want a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal at home.
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Easy Blackened Steak Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy pasta with blackened shrimp and steak in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce — easy enough for weeknights but special enough for guests.
Ingredients
8 oz penne pasta
1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 lb sirloin steak, cubed
2 Tbsp blackened seasoning
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 tsp minced garlic
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
2 Tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Cook pasta until al dente; reserve some water.
2. Season shrimp and sear in oil until pink; remove.
3. Season steak and sear in butter; remove.
4. Sauté onion and garlic, add cream, simmer.
5. Stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
6. Add pasta to sauce, toss to coat.
7. Return shrimp and steak, stir, garnish with parsley.
Notes
Swap half cream with milk for lighter sauce.
Use chicken or tofu instead of steak.
Adjust seasoning for milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
