Description
Surf & Turf Creamy Pasta
Ingredients:
For the Protein:
8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz beef tenderloin, cubed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cream Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
8 oz spaghetti
Water and a pinch of salt for boiling
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Surf & Turf:
Season shrimp and beef cubes with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes for 2–3 minutes per side or until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
Make the Cream Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
Top with the seared beef cubes and shrimp.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and serve immediately.
This luxurious Surf & Turf Creamy Pasta combines tender beef, succulent shrimp, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce for the ultimate indulgence. Perfect for a special dinner!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results every time. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped before heating any pans. Begin boiling your pasta water in a well-salted pot. As it heats, pat your beef and shrimp dry with a paper towel—this is crucial for a good sear. Season the proteins. Once the water boils, add the spaghetti and start cooking. In a large skillet, sear the beef in batches to avoid steaming, then set aside. Cook the shrimp quickly in the same pan. For the sauce, reduce the heat to medium after cooking the shrimp to prevent burning the garlic. Let the cream and Parmesan simmer gently until it coats the back of a spoon. Finally, combine the drained pasta with the sauce first, ensuring each strand is coated, before gently folding in the beef and shrimp to keep them tender.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta is a complete meal but can be elevated with simple sides. Serve with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. For a vegetable side, roasted asparagus or garlic sautéed spinach pair beautifully. To complement the meal, a glass of full-bodied Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir works wonderfully. For presentation, use tongs to twirl the pasta into a nest on the plate, then artfully arrange the shrimp and beef on top before garnishing.
How-to Summary
In summary: 1) Boil and salt pasta water. 2) Dry and season proteins. 3) Sear beef, then shrimp, in a hot skillet and set aside. 4) In the same pan, make a garlic butter cream sauce with Parmesan. 5) Toss cooked pasta in the sauce. 6) Gently combine with reserved proteins and garnish with parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, sirloin or ribeye are excellent, budget-friendly alternatives to tenderloin. Just be mindful of cooking time, as tougher cuts may require longer searing and resting.
How can I prevent the sauce from splitting?
Keep the heat at a gentle simmer when adding the cheese. Let the cream warm up slightly before stirring in the Parmesan, and avoid boiling vigorously.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The sauce can be made a few hours ahead, but for best texture, cook the pasta and proteins fresh and combine just before serving to avoid overcooked shrimp and rubbery pasta.
What’s a good substitute for heavy cream?
For a slightly lighter version, half-and-half can work, but the sauce will be thinner. A roux (butter and flour) added at the garlic stage will help thicken it.
How do I know when the shrimp is perfectly cooked?
Shrimp cooks quickly. It’s done when it turns opaque and pink and forms a loose “C” shape. An “O” shape often means it’s overcooked and tough.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Searing all the beef at once steams it instead of creating a flavorful crust. Cook in batches.
- Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp only needs 1-2 minutes per side. Remove it from the pan as soon as it’s pink.
- Adding Cold Cheese to Boiling Cream: This can cause the sauce to become grainy. Let the cream simmer off the boil before adding grated Parmesan.
- Rinsing the Pasta: This washes away starch that helps the sauce adhere. Simply drain it well.
- Not Seasoning in Layers: Season the water, the proteins, and the sauce. Each layer builds depth of flavor.
Conclusion
This Surf & Turf Creamy Pasta is a show-stopping dish that is deceptively simple to master. By focusing on proper searing techniques and a carefully built sauce, you can create restaurant-quality indulgence at home. Remember to prep your ingredients ahead, avoid common pitfalls like overcrowding the pan, and serve immediately for the best experience. It’s the perfect recipe to turn an ordinary evening into a special culinary occasion.