Sep 08 2026
RestaurantsThe Steakhouse on Whitemarsh IslandSteakhouse Signature Pasta Recipe

Steakhouse Signature Pasta Recipe

Time50m
Serves4

Large shrimp with Bacon & Roasted Garlic all tossed in our House Alfredo Sauce served over Penne Pasta

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Ingredients

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Pasta & Sauce

Finishing & Optional

Method

Roasted Garlic & Prep

  1. 1

    Roast garlic

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice top off the head of garlic to expose cloves, place on a square of foil, drizzle with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, wrap and roast 35–40 minutes until soft and golden. Cool slightly, then squeeze roasted garlic cloves into a small bowl and mash to a paste.

  2. 2

    Prep pasta water

    Bring a large pot of salted water (about 1–2 tbsp salt) to a rolling boil for the penne and reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water before draining.

Pasta & House Alfredo Sauce

  1. 3

    Cook penne

    Cook 1 lb penne in the boiling water according to package directions until al dente (usually 9–11 minutes). Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water, and set aside.

  2. 4

    Make roux

    In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant and lightly golden (do not brown).

  3. 5

    Build Alfredo

    Slowly whisk in 1 cup whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream until smooth. Add the mashed roasted garlic and the 2 minced garlic cloves and continue to cook, whisking, until the sauce begins to thicken, about 4–6 minutes.

  4. 6

    Finish sauce

    Lower heat to low and stir in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. If sauce is too thick, loosen with 2–4 tablespoons reserved pasta water (or more up to 1/2 cup) until it reaches a glossy, coating consistency.

Shrimp & Bacon

  1. 7

    Cook bacon

    While the sauce thickens, cook 6 slices thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8–10 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then chop into 1/2-inch pieces.

  2. 8

    Sear shrimp

    Pat 12 large shrimp dry and season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1.5–2 minutes per side until opaque and just cooked through. Finish with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and remove from heat.

  3. 9

    Combine shrimp & bacon

    Add chopped bacon and seared shrimp to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, gently folding to coat. If the sauce needs loosening, add additional reserved pasta water 1–2 tablespoons at a time.

Assembly & Serve

  1. 10

    Toss with pasta

    Add the cooked penne to the skillet (or combine in a large bowl) and toss thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated with the shrimp, bacon and roasted garlic Alfredo sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.

  2. 11

    Plate and garnish

    Portion pasta into 4 servings. Sprinkle each plate with chopped fresh parsley and 1–2 tablespoons grated extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.

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