Description
Surf & Turf Alfredo Pasta with Shrimp and Steak
Ingredients:
For the Steak:
200g steak (sirloin or ribeye)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Shrimp:
12 large shrimp
(peeled and deveined)
1 tbsp butter
1 garlic clove
(minced)
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of ½ lemon
For the Alfredo Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
2 garlic cloves
(minced)
2 cups heavy cream
1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
250g spaghetti or fettuccine
Water for boiling
Pinch of salt
For Garnish:
Chopped parsley
Instructions:
Cook the Steak:
Season the steak with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side (for medium-rare) or until your desired doneness. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces
.
Cook the Shrimp:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through
.
Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Set aside
.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute
.
Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy
.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and toss with the Alfredo sauce until fully coated
.
Assemble the Dish:
Plate the creamy Alfredo pasta and top with steak bites and shrimp. Drizzle additional Alfredo sauce over the top for extra creaminess.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh, vibrant finish
. Serve hot and enjoy this luxurious surf and turf experience
.
This Surf and Turf Alfredo combines tender steak, juicy shrimp, and rich, creamy pasta for a show-stopping dinner. Perfect for a special occasion or an indulgent treat!
Step-by-Step Guide
Begin by preparing all ingredients: slice the garlic, juice the lemon, grate the Parmesan, and chop the parsley. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Heat your skillet for the steak. This mise en place ensures a smooth cooking process. Follow the core instructions in order: cook the steak first to develop fond in the pan, then the shrimp to absorb those flavors. Make the sauce while the pasta boils. Finally, slice the steak, drain the pasta, and combine everything in the pan or a large serving bowl for a cohesive, hot dish.
Serving Suggestions
Plate this rich pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the steak and shrimp. Serve alongside a crisp, acidic side to cut through the creaminess, such as a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus. For wine pairings, a full-bodied Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir complements the dish beautifully. To elevate the presentation, garnish with extra Parmesan shavings and a twist of black pepper.
How-to Summary
Season and pan-sear a steak until desired doneness, then rest and slice. In the same pan, sauté shrimp with butter, garlic, and lemon. Separately, create a creamy Alfredo sauce by simmering heavy cream and melted butter with garlic, then whisking in Parmesan. Cook pasta al dente in salted water. Toss the drained pasta with the Alfredo sauce, then top with the sliced steak and shrimp. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak? Yes, filet mignon offers exceptional tenderness, while flank or skirt steak provides great flavor; just adjust cooking time for thickness.
How can I prevent my Alfredo sauce from breaking? Keep the heat low when adding cheese and stir constantly. Remove from heat if it gets too hot. Using freshly grated Parmesan (not pre-shredded) helps as it melts more smoothly.
Can I prepare any components ahead of time? You can cook the steak and shrimp 1-2 hours ahead and gently reheat them in the sauce. Prepare the sauce just before serving for best texture.
What’s a good substitute for heavy cream? For a slightly lighter version, use half-and-half, but simmer it longer to thicken. Avoid milk, as it won’t create a rich enough sauce.
How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked? Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and pink and form a loose “C” shape. Overcooking makes them rubbery.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the shrimp, which takes only 2-3 minutes per side.
- Adding pre-shredded Parmesan cheese to the sauce, which can cause clumping due to anti-caking agents.
- Not letting the steak rest before slicing, which causes precious juices to run out.
- Draining the pasta completely dry; a little starchy pasta water can help loosen and bind the sauce.
- Boiling the cream sauce, which can lead to separation. Maintain a gentle simmer.
Conclusion
This Surf & Turf Alfredo Pasta masterfully combines the luxury of steak and shrimp with the comfort of a creamy, homemade sauce. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create an impressive restaurant-quality meal at home. It’s a versatile recipe perfect for making any dinner feel like a celebrated occasion. Enjoy the process and the delicious, indulgent results.