Description
Surf and Turf Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients
:
For the Steak and Shrimp:
1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak, cubed
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce:
4 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
12 oz fettuccine or linguine
1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
Optional Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Grilled flatbread
Instructions
:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Prepare the Steak and Shrimp:
Season the steak cubes with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak cubes for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked to your desired doneness. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté shrimp with garlic, salt, and pepper for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
Add Italian seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water.
Combine and Serve:
Toss the cooked pasta in the Alfredo sauce until evenly coated. Plate the pasta and top with seared steak and shrimp.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with grilled flatbread if desired.
This Surf and Turf Alfredo Pasta is a luxurious dish combining creamy, garlicky pasta with tender steak and juicy shrimp!
Perfect for special dinners or when you want to treat yourself. Enjoy every decadent bite!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed sequence for perfect results. First, prep all ingredients: cube steak, peel shrimp, mince garlic, and grate Parmesan. Begin boiling a large pot of salted water for pasta. As it heats, season steak. Cook pasta to al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup water. In a large skillet, sear steak in oil over medium-high heat until browned; remove. Add shrimp to same skillet with garlic, cooking until pink. Remove shrimp. For sauce, in a clean or wiped skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, then add cream and simmer. Whisk in Parmesan until melted. Combine sauce, pasta, and a splash of pasta water, tossing to coat. Finally, top with steak and shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
Plate this rich pasta immediately for best texture. Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Grilled asparagus or roasted cherry tomatoes make excellent vegetable sides. For bread, offer warm, buttery garlic bread or grilled flatbread. A glass of full-bodied Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir complements the flavors beautifully. For presentation, garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
How-to Summary
Boil pasta, reserving water. Sear seasoned steak, then sauté shrimp in same pan. In a clean pan, make sauce by melting butter, cooking garlic, adding cream, and whisking in Parmesan. Toss pasta with sauce, thinning with pasta water if needed. Top pasta with cooked steak and shrimp. Garnish and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak? Yes, sirloin is a great leaner option, but ribeye offers more flavor due to its marbling. Avoid very tough cuts.
How can I prevent the Alfredo sauce from breaking? Keep heat at a gentle simmer, never a boil, when adding cheese. Use freshly grated Parmesan, as pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that can cause graininess.
Can I make this ahead of time? The components can be prepped ahead, but combine just before serving. Reheated Alfredo can separate; gently reheat on low with extra cream.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? A combination of whole milk and a bit of cream cheese can work in a pinch, but the sauce will be less rich and stable.
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked perfectly? Shrimp cooks quickly. It’s done when it turns pink and opaque and forms a loose “C” shape. An “O” shape means it’s overcooked.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the shrimp, making it rubbery.
- Using pre-shredded Parmesan cheese, which can lead to a clumpy sauce.
- Adding cheese to a boiling sauce, causing it to separate.
- Not reserving pasta water, which is crucial for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Crowding the pan when searing steak, which steams instead of sears the meat.
Conclusion
This Surf and Turf Alfredo Pasta is an impressive yet approachable restaurant-quality meal. By mastering the sear on the protein, crafting a smooth Alfredo, and combining elements just before serving, you create a harmonious dish of luxurious textures and rich flavors. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a celebration or a memorable weeknight indulgence. With careful attention to the details above, you’re guaranteed a spectacular result every time.