Spicy Blackened Steak & Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

Easy Spicy Blackened Steak & Shrimp Alfredo Recipe for Dinner

Mastering a spicy blackened steak & shrimp Alfredo recipe requires skill and passion for bold flavors.

Culinary adventures often start with unexpected combinations that surprise and delight.

Seafood and beef create an incredible fusion when seasoned perfectly.

Intense spices dance across tender proteins, creating layers of mouthwatering complexity.

Mediterranean influences blend seamlessly with classic comfort food techniques.

Robust marinades infuse each ingredient with deep, rich character.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next impressive dinner.

Every bite promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience that will leave guests amazed.

Spicy Blackened Steak & Shrimp Alfredo Overview

  • Experience a mouthwatering combination of spicy blackened steak, succulent shrimp, and creamy Alfredo sauce that creates an unforgettable taste adventure.
  • Craft a restaurant-quality meal with simple techniques that transform everyday ingredients into an impressive dish perfect for special dinners or weekend treats.
  • Easily adjust the heat by modifying Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, making this recipe adaptable for different spice preferences and palate sensitivities.
  • Minimize cleanup with a smart cooking strategy that uses the same skillet for searing steak and shrimp, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious preparation time.

Ingredients for Blackened Steak & Shrimp Alfredo

Main Protein:
  • Steak: Tender beef cut that serves as the primary protein and adds rich, savory flavor to the dish.
  • Shrimp: Delicate seafood that provides a complementary protein with a sweet, oceanic taste.
Pasta and Sauce Base:
  • Fettuccine: Classic long pasta that holds the creamy Alfredo sauce perfectly.
  • Butter: Provides a rich, smooth base for the Alfredo sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and silky texture for the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the Alfredo sauce.
Seasonings and Aromatics:
  • Cajun Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spice blend that creates a bold, blackened flavor profile for the steak.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and pungent flavor to the sauce.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and spicy kick to the Alfredo sauce.
  • Olive Oil: Provides a medium for searing the steak and shrimp.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb used as a garnish to add color and a bright, herbal note.

Cooking Blackened Steak & Shrimp Alfredo

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook fettuccine in generously salted water until tender and just reaching al dente texture.

Water should be bubbling vigorously when pasta enters.

Drain pasta thoroughly in a colander, shaking off excess water.

Step 2: Season Protein with Bold Spices

Combine spices for coating proteins:
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Smoked paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Chili powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Generously rub the spice mixture over steak and shrimp, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor intensity.

Step 3: Sear Steak to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a heavy cast-iron skillet until smoking hot.

Place seasoned steak in pan, allowing it to develop a dark, crispy crust.

Cook 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare.

Remove steak and let it rest on a cutting board to retain juices.

Step 4: Quick Shrimp Sauté

Using the same skillet, add shrimp and cook quickly until they turn pink and curl slightly.

Remove immediately to prevent overcooking.

Step 5: Craft Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle red pepper flakes.

Simmer gently while whisking Parmesan cheese until sauce becomes smooth and luxurious.

Step 6: Combine and Plate

Toss pasta thoroughly with Alfredo sauce.

Slice rested steak into thin strips.

Arrange pasta on plates, top with steak slices and sautéed shrimp.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Spicy Steak & Shrimp Alfredo

  • Use a cast-iron skillet for achieving that perfect dark, crispy exterior on steak and shrimp without burning the proteins.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning based on heat tolerance, blending different chili powders for complex, layered flavor without overwhelming spiciness.
  • Reserve a little pasta water before draining to help sauce cling better and create a silkier Alfredo texture if sauce seems too thick.
  • Always let steak rest 5-7 minutes after cooking to ensure juices redistribute, preventing dry meat and maintaining tender, succulent texture.
  • If Alfredo sauce breaks or looks grainy, whisk in a tablespoon of cold butter to restore smooth, glossy consistency instantly.

Storing and Reheating Blackened Steak & Shrimp Alfredo

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Warm gently in microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent drying. Add splash of cream to restore sauce consistency.
  • Sprinkle fresh Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving to refresh flavors and add moisture to reheated dish.

Suggested Pairings for Blackened Steak & Shrimp Alfredo

  • Elevate Spice with Bold Wine Pairing: Choose a robust Zinfandel or Syrah with strong fruit notes and peppery undertones to complement the blackened steak's intense seasoning.
  • Calm the Heat with Crisp White: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to balance the dish's spiciness, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce.
  • Match Seafood Richness with Craft Beer: Opt for a hoppy IPA or amber ale that cuts through the creamy sauce while enhancing the shrimp's delicate flavor with its malty, complex profile.
  • Cleanse Palate with Herbal Cocktail: Mix a classic Bloody Mary or create a spicy margarita with jalapeño-infused tequila to echo the dish's bold Cajun seasoning and provide a zesty, cooling element.

Variations on Blackened Steak & Shrimp Alfredo

  • Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace fettuccine with spiralized zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly alternative that reduces carbohydrate intake while maintaining the dish's rich flavors.
  • Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Option: Swap heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast to create a lactose-free sauce that keeps the creamy texture and adds a subtle tropical note.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute steak and shrimp with grilled portobello mushrooms and roasted cauliflower, seasoned with the same Cajun spices for a plant-based protein-packed meal.
  • Gluten-Free Quinoa Base: Use quinoa instead of pasta to create a gluten-free version that provides additional protein and a nutty flavor profile while maintaining the dish's overall structure.

FAQs

  • What makes Cajun seasoning different from regular spices?

Cajun seasoning is a bold blend of paprika, garlic, pepper, and herbs that originated in Louisiana, creating a spicy and robust flavor profile unique to Southern American cuisine.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Fettuccine works best because its wide, flat shape holds the creamy Alfredo sauce perfectly, but you can substitute with linguine or penne if needed.

  • How do I know when the steak is perfectly medium-rare?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature – medium-rare steak reaches 135°F, which typically takes 3-4 minutes per side on high heat, resulting in a warm red center.

  • Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the Alfredo sauce?

Heavy cream provides richness and thickness to the sauce, creating a luxurious texture. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce will be less creamy and rich.

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Spicy Blackened Steak & Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

Spicy Blackened Steak & Shrimp Alfredo Recipe


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4.9 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Blackened Steak & Shrimp Alfredo brings Louisiana’s bold flavors to your dinner table, marrying tender seafood with perfectly seasoned beef. Creamy pasta and spicy Cajun spices create an irresistible combination that will leave diners craving more with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 steaks (sirloin or ribeye), about 1 inch thick
  • 200 grams (7 ounces) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 300 grams (10.5 ounces) fettuccine pasta
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook fettuccine until perfectly tender, then drain and reserve.
  2. Create a robust spice blend combining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly coat the steaks with this zesty mixture.
  3. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet at medium-high temperature. Sear steaks for 3-4 minutes per side, achieving a beautiful caramelized exterior. Remove and allow meat to rest, preserving internal juices.
  4. Use the same skillet to quickly cook shrimp, transforming them from translucent to vibrant pink in 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a separate plate.
  5. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Introduce minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence until fragrant.
  6. Pour heavy cream into the pan, incorporating red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  7. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously to create a silky, smooth sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Gently fold pasta through the creamy Alfredo sauce, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated.
  9. Slice rested steaks into elegant strips. Arrange pasta on serving plates, top with steak and shrimp.
  10. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright, herbaceous touch.

Notes

  • Test pasta doneness by biting a strand to ensure it’s perfectly al dente without being too soft or hard.
  • Pat steak and shrimp dry before seasoning to help spices adhere and create a better sear.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet for maximum flavor development and beautiful caramelization on proteins.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice tolerance, ranging from mild to extra hot.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 850
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Fat: 54g
  • Saturated Fat: 28g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 64g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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