Diamond R Surf 'n Turf Alfredo

Diamond R Surf and Turf Alfredo

Steak and shrimp over a creamy, Cajun-kissed Alfredo: this is our go-to when we want a restaurant-style dinner without leaving the ranch. Tender Diamond R sirloin and juicy shrimp sit on top of a rich Parmesan sauce, and the whole thing comes together in about 30 minutes.

We use a single Diamond R sirloin steak here, cubed and seared hot. It is single-source, pasture-raised, and grain-finished for flavor, raised on our family ranch in Independence, Kansas.

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 and 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 and add 2 teaspoons of salt. Cook the Alfredo pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.

3. Grill the steak and shrimp. In a cast iron skillet or grill basket over medium-high heat (or on the BBQ), cook the steak pieces to your desired doneness. We recommend medium-rare. Just before the steak is finished, add the shrimp and grill until bright pink and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove both from the 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 the heat to low, add the half and half and cream cheese, and stir until the cream cheese is fully melted. Season with Cajun seasoning to taste and 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 and 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

• Pat the sirloin dry and sear it in a hot pan so it browns instead of steaming. Pull it at medium-rare and let it rest while you finish the sauce.
• Do not crowd the shrimp. They cook in 2 to 3 minutes and turn rubbery if they go longer.
• Add the Parmesan slowly and off the high heat so the sauce stays smooth.
• Save a little pasta water. A splash loosens the sauce if it tightens up.

This is our second take on a Diamond R favorite. Compare it with the original Surf and Turf Alfredo and see which one your family likes better. Craving more surf and turf? The KC Strip surf and turf with shrimp scampi is a lighter, buttery spin. And to nail the sear every time, read our guide to searing a perfect steak at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What steak is best for surf and turf alfredo?

A tender, quick-cooking cut works best. We use Diamond R sirloin because it sears fast and stays juicy, but ribeye or a Kansas City strip are just as good. Cube whatever you choose into even 2-inch pieces so it cooks through at the same rate.

Can I use a different cut than sirloin?

Yes. Ribeye brings more marbling and richness, and a strip steak gives you a firmer bite. Any tender grilling steak from your freezer will work. Just season it well and cook it hot and fast so the pieces stay tender.

How do I keep the Alfredo sauce from breaking?

Keep the heat low once the dairy goes in, and add the Parmesan slowly while stirring. High heat is what makes a cream sauce separate. If it tightens up, loosen it with a splash of half and half, milk, or reserved pasta water.

What sides go with surf and turf alfredo?

This dish is rich, so lean sides balance it well. A crisp green salad, roasted asparagus or broccoli, and warm garlic bread all pair nicely. A squeeze of lemon over the shrimp brightens the whole plate.

The sirloin is the star here. Diamond R Top Sirloin is single-source and pasture-raised, hearty enough to stand up to a rich Alfredo. Add sirloin steaks to your order and treat the family to steakhouse night at home.