This elegant surf and turf dinner brings together tender garlic-seared lamb chops, creamy shrimp Alfredo fettuccine, and crisp roasted broccolini for a restaurant-quality meal at home. It is rich, comforting, and perfectly balanced, making it ideal for special evenings or an elevated homemade dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers three distinct components that come together beautifully on one plate. The lamb chops are juicy and aromatic, the Alfredo pasta is creamy without being heavy, and the roasted broccolini adds freshness and texture. It feels luxurious while remaining approachable, and every element can be prepared in under an hour.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the garlic lamb chops
4 lamb chops
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon butter

For the shrimp Alfredo fettuccine
225 g fettuccine pasta
225 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
240 ml heavy cream
50 g grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

For the roasted broccolini
1 bunch broccolini
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, optional

Directions

Start by preparing the lamb chops. Pat them dry and season evenly with salt, pepper, garlic, and fresh herbs. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb chops for 3 to 4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Add butter and balsamic vinegar to the pan and spoon the glaze over the chops. Remove from heat and rest briefly.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 60 ml of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

In a wide pan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.

In the same pan, add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until the sauce thickens. Return the shrimp to the pan, add the cooked pasta, and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water gradually if needed to loosen the sauce.

Preheat the oven to 220°C. Toss broccolini with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Arrange on a baking sheet and roast for 12 to 15 minutes until tender with lightly charred edges. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Serve the lamb chops alongside the shrimp Alfredo and roasted broccolini.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

You can substitute ribeye-style lamb chops with lamb loin chops for a leaner option. The shrimp Alfredo can be made with linguine or tagliatelle if preferred. For extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the Alfredo sauce. The broccolini can also be replaced with asparagus or green beans while keeping the same roasting method.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce. Lamb chops are best reheated briefly in a covered pan over low heat to prevent drying out. Broccolini can be reheated in the oven or skillet.

FAQs

Can I cook the lamb chops in advance?

Yes, but they are best enjoyed fresh. If needed, cook them slightly under your desired doneness and reheat gently before serving.

What size shrimp works best for this recipe?

Large shrimp are ideal because they stay juicy and hold their texture in the creamy sauce.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner. Adding a little extra Parmesan helps improve consistency.

How do I know when lamb chops are done?

They should feel slightly firm and have a golden crust. Resting them helps retain juices.

Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?

Yes, the starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta and stay smooth.

Can I make this dish for more people?

Absolutely. Simply double or triple the ingredients while keeping cooking times similar.

What herbs pair well with lamb chops?

Rosemary and thyme are classic choices that complement lamb perfectly.

Can frozen shrimp be used?

Yes, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

How can I prevent Alfredo sauce from separating?

Cook over medium-low heat and avoid boiling the cream to keep the sauce stable.

What makes broccolini roast well?

High heat and enough space on the pan allow it to caramelize instead of steaming.

Conclusion

Garlic lamb chops, shrimp Alfredo fettuccine, and roasted broccolini come together in a beautifully composed meal that feels indulgent yet achievable. With rich flavors, balanced textures, and a straightforward preparation, this dish is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a memorable dinner at home.

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