Steak and Shrimp Pasta – Creamy Surf and Turf Dinner

Introduction

Steak and Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate surf-and-turf comfort meal that brings steakhouse flavors straight to your kitchen. This dish combines tender, seared steak with juicy shrimp, all tossed in a rich, creamy pasta sauce that clings to every bite. It feels luxurious and indulgent, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make at home in under an hour.

What makes this pasta so special is the balance of textures and flavors. The steak adds deep, savory richness, the shrimp brings sweetness and tenderness, and the creamy sauce ties everything together with garlic, butter, and Parmesan. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, date night, or just want to elevate dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without complicated steps.

This Steak and Shrimp Pasta is versatile, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. You can make it mild and creamy, or bold and spicy. Serve it with a simple salad or garlic bread, and you’ve got a complete, unforgettable meal.

Ingredients
For the Pasta

12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine)

Salt for pasta water

For the Steak

1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon paprika

For the Shrimp

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon paprika

For the Creamy Sauce

2 tablespoons butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 ½ cups heavy cream

¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

Season the steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet, then sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Gently fold in the sliced steak and shrimp. Cook for 1–2 minutes until everything is warmed through. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Variation

Alfredo Style: Add extra Parmesan and a splash of milk for a thicker sauce.

Spicy Cajun Version: Season steak and shrimp with Cajun seasoning.

Garlic Butter Pasta: Skip the cream and use garlic butter with pasta water.

Mushroom Steak Pasta: Add sautéed mushrooms for extra depth.

Lemon Shrimp Steak Pasta: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Cooking Note

Letting the steak rest before slicing keeps it juicy and tender. Always add shrimp back at the end to avoid overcooking, as shrimp become rubbery if cooked too long.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Steak and Shrimp Pasta hot with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. For a steakhouse-style presentation, top with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper. This dish pairs well with sparkling water or your favorite dinner drink.

Tips

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.

Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing steak.

Cook pasta al dente so it holds the sauce well.

Reserve pasta water—it helps fix thick sauces.

Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cooking Time

30 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 620

Protein: 38 g

Sodium: 640 mg

FAQs

What steak cut works best?
Sirloin is lean and affordable, while ribeye adds extra richness.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add extra Parmesan to thicken.

Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but leftovers can be reheated gently with a splash of cream.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Skip red pepper flakes for a mild version.

Conclusion

Steak and Shrimp Pasta is the perfect combination of comfort and elegance. With juicy steak, tender shrimp, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, this dish delivers bold, satisfying flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a special night or just want a next-level dinner, this recipe proves you don’t need a restaurant to enjoy a true surf-and-turf experience. 🍝🥩🍤

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