Description
Surf and Turf Alfredo
Ingredients
For the Steak
1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
For the Shrimp
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp paprika
For the Alfredo Sauce
2 tbsp butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
For the Pasta
8 oz fettuccine
Salt for boiling water
Garnish
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
:
Boil fettuccine in salted water
according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Steak
:
Heat olive oil
in a skillet over medium-high heat
.
Season steak pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder
. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp
:
In the same skillet, add olive oil
and heat over medium
.
Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika
. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce
:
In a saucepan, melt butter
over medium heat
and sauté garlic until fragrant
.
Add heavy cream
and simmer for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese
until smooth and creamy.
Season with salt, pepper
, and nutmeg
. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Assemble the Dish
:
Toss the cooked fettuccine
with the Alfredo sauce
until well coated.
Plate the pasta and top with steak bites
and shrimp
.
Garnish and Serve
:
Sprinkle fresh parsley
over the dish and serve immediately.
Enjoy this mouthwatering surf-and-turf pasta dish for a special occasion or treat-yourself dinner!
Bon appétit!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed sequence for perfect results. First, start boiling a large pot of salted water for the pasta. As it heats, prepare your proteins: pat the steak pieces and shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season them as listed. Begin cooking the fettuccine once the water is at a rolling boil. While the pasta cooks, use a large skillet to sear the steak in batches to avoid overcrowding, which steams the meat. Set the steak aside on a clean plate. In the same skillet, cook the shrimp until just opaque. Finally, in a separate saucepan, prepare the Alfredo sauce, whisking constantly when adding the cheese to prevent clumping.
Serving Suggestions
This rich dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Serve it with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. For a vegetable side, roasted asparagus or garlic sautéed green beans are excellent choices. To elevate the presentation, serve the pasta in warmed, shallow bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan shavings alongside the fresh parsley. A glass of chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
In summary, create this dish by: 1) Cooking the pasta in salted water. 2) Searing seasoned steak bites and setting aside. 3) Sautéing seasoned shrimp in the same pan and setting aside. 4) Making a simple Alfredo sauce by simmering cream and butter, then whisking in Parmesan. 5) Combining the cooked pasta with the sauce, then topping with the steak and shrimp. Garnish and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare any part of this dish ahead of time?
You can season the steak and shrimp ahead, but cook them fresh. The Alfredo sauce is best made fresh as it can separate when reheated.
What can I use instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce?
For a lighter version, use half-and-half, but be careful not to boil it vigorously. The sauce will be thinner but still tasty.
How do I prevent my Parmesan cheese from clumping in the sauce?
Ensure the cream is just simmering, not boiling, when you add the cheese. Remove the pan from heat and whisk gradually until fully incorporated.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any long pasta like linguine or tagliatelle works well. Short, sturdy shapes like penne or rigatoni are also great for holding the creamy sauce.
How can I tell when the shrimp is fully cooked?
Shrimp is done when it turns opaque and pink and forms a loose “C” shape. Overcooking will make it rubbery.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Searing the steak or shrimp in a single, crowded layer will steam them instead of creating a flavorful crust. Cook in batches.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Always grate fresh Parmesan from a block.
- Boiling the Cream Sauce: Once you add the cream, keep the heat at a gentle simmer. A rolling boil can cause the sauce to curdle or separate.
- Rinsing the Cooked Pasta: Do not rinse the drained fettuccine. The residual starch helps the Alfredo sauce cling to the noodles.
Conclusion
This Surf and Turf Alfredo combines the best of land and sea in a luxurious, creamy pasta that is surprisingly straightforward to master. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create an impressive restaurant-quality meal at home. Perfect for a date night or a celebratory dinner, this dish is sure to become a cherished favorite. Remember, the keys to success are fresh ingredients, proper searing, and a carefully emulsified sauce. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!