Diamond R Surf 'n Turf Alfredo

Diamond R Surf and Turf Alfredo

A rich, savory alfredo pasta topped with tender Diamond R sirloin steak and juicy shrimp. Perfect for a special dinner, and it comes together in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

For the protein:

• 1 Diamond R sirloin steak, cubed into 2" pieces
• 1 dozen raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Your favorite steak seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)

For the alfredo pasta:

• 8 oz alfredo pasta (fettuccine or similar)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 cups half & half
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (start with 1/4 cup and adjust to desired thickness)
• Cajun seasoning, to taste
• Salt (for pasta water)

Optional garnish:

• Fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Prep the meat:

• Cube the Diamond R sirloin into 2" pieces and season with your favorite steak seasoning.
• Peel and devein the shrimp, then season them as well. Set both aside.

2. Cook the pasta:

• Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add 2 teaspoons of salt.
• Cook the alfredo pasta until al dente.
• Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

3. Grill the steak and shrimp:

• In a cast iron skillet or grill basket over medium-high heat, cook the steak pieces to your desired doneness. We recommend medium rare.
• Just before the steak is finished, add the shrimp. Grill until the shrimp are bright pink and cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove both from heat.

4. Make the alfredo sauce:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and saute the chopped garlic until lightly browned. Be careful not to burn it.
• Reduce heat to low. Add the half & half and cream cheese, stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted.
• Season with Cajun seasoning to taste. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
• Slowly add the shredded Parmesan, stirring continuously, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Start with 1/4 cup and add more as needed.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of half & half or milk.

5. Combine and serve:

• Add the cooked pasta to the alfredo sauce and stir until fully coated.
• Plate the pasta and top with the grilled steak and shrimp.
• Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

A great weeknight dinner put together in just 30 minutes.

Tips for the Best Surf and Turf Alfredo

• Do not overcook the shrimp. They need only 2 to 3 minutes and are done the moment they turn bright pink and curl. A minute too long and they turn rubbery.
• Add the Parmesan slowly. Stir it in a little at a time over low heat so the sauce stays smooth and does not clump or break.
• Sear the sirloin hot and fast. A ripping hot skillet builds a crust on the cubes while keeping the center tender at medium rare.
• Keep the sauce loose. It thickens as it sits, so thin it with a splash of half and half or milk right before you toss in the pasta.

Serving Ideas

This is a special-occasion plate that eats like a steakhouse dinner. Serve it with garlic bread and a crisp green salad to cut the richness. If surf and turf is your thing, try our KC Strip Surf n Turf with shrimp scampi next, or keep it simple with a plate of buttery steak bites made from the same sirloin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What steak is best for surf and turf alfredo?

Sirloin is a great choice because it is tender, flavorful, and cubes up perfectly for the plate. Ribeye or New York strip also work well if that is what you have on hand. Just cook it to medium rare and let it rest before slicing.

How do I keep the alfredo sauce from breaking?

Keep the heat low and add the Parmesan gradually, stirring the whole time. High heat and dumping in the cheese all at once are what cause a sauce to break or turn grainy. Low and slow keeps it silky.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Alfredo is best served fresh, since the sauce thickens as it cools. You can prep the steak, shrimp, and pasta ahead, then make the sauce and combine everything just before serving. Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of half and half.

What pasta works best for alfredo?

Fettuccine is the classic pick because its wide, flat shape holds the creamy sauce. Any similar long pasta works. Cook it just to al dente so it does not turn soft once it is tossed in the warm sauce.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Shrimp cook fast, in about 2 to 3 minutes. They are done the moment they turn bright pink and opaque and curl into a loose C shape. Pull them off the heat right away so they stay tender.

The turf makes this dish. Diamond R Sirloin is single-source with one animal per box, pasture-raised and grain-finished for flavor on our family ranch in Independence, Kansas, with no antibiotics and no added hormones. Order a Diamond R Sirloin and bring the steakhouse home.