Description
Creamy Steak and Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients:
For the steak:
2 ribeye steaks or your preferred cut
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the shrimp:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For the pasta and creamy sauce:
12 oz penne pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the steak:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steaks with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Sear the steaks for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness. Once cooked, remove the steaks and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Cook the shrimp:
In the same skillet, add olive oil and shrimp. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the creamy sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and continue to cook until the sauce becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the dish:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy sauce.
Serve the creamy pasta with the sliced steak and shrimp on top. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your creamy steak and shrimp pasta!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed sequence for perfect results. First, prepare all ingredients: season the steak and shrimp, mince garlic, grate parmesan, and chop parsley. Start boiling water for the pasta. As it cooks, sear the seasoned steaks in a hot skillet. Do not move them for the first few minutes to achieve a good crust. After resting and slicing the steak, cook the shrimp in the same pan—they cook quickly. Remove shrimp, then build the sauce in that same flavorful pan. Finally, combine the drained pasta with the sauce, toss to coat, and top with the steak and shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta dish is a complete meal. For a restaurant-style presentation, twirl the pasta into a nest on the plate before artfully arranging the steak slices and shrimp on top. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess beautifully. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce. For a wine pairing, choose a medium-bodied red like a Merlot or a rich white like an oaked Chardonnay.
How-to Summary
To summarize, the key is sequential cooking in one pan: 1) Boil and drain pasta. 2) Sear seasoned steak, rest, then slice. 3) Cook seasoned shrimp until pink. 4) In the same skillet, make a garlic-butter sauce, add broth and cream, simmer, then melt in parmesan. 5) Toss pasta in sauce and top with steak and shrimp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes. While ribeye is flavorful, sirloin or filet mignon work well. Adjust cooking time based on thickness.
How can I make this dish less rich?
Substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk or use half-and-half. The sauce will be slightly thinner but still creamy.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or beef broth are fine substitutes. You can even use water with an extra pinch of salt.
How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Do not overcook. Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, which only takes 2-3 minutes per side.
Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
You can cook the steak and shrimp earlier, but for best texture, reheat them gently in the finished sauce just before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Searing the steak in a too-small skillet steams it instead of creating a crust. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Adding Cheese to Boiling Sauce: Always let the sauce simmer gently before adding parmesan. High heat can cause the cheese to clump or become grainy.
- Skipping the Steak Rest: Slicing the steak immediately causes precious juices to run out. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Always grate your own.
Conclusion
This creamy steak and shrimp pasta is an impressive yet approachable gourmet meal. By mastering the one-pan technique and following the detailed steps, you create layers of flavor from the seared steak to the garlicky, parmesan cream sauce. Avoid the common pitfalls, and don’t hesitate to customize with your preferred ingredients. This dish is sure to become a celebrated favorite for any special dinner.