Description
Surf and Turf Creamy Pasta
A luxurious dish combining the best of land and sea for a truly indulgent experience!
Ingredients
200g steak (cut into bite-sized pieces)
150g shrimp (peeled and deveined)
300g spaghetti or linguine
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Steak and Shrimp:
Season the steak pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Set aside.
Make the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and melt butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Combine Everything:
Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce until evenly coated. Plate the pasta and top with steak pieces and shrimp.
Serve and Garnish:
Drizzle any extra sauce over the dish and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
This surf-and-turf creamy pasta is perfect for a date night or any time you want to treat yourself to a gourmet meal at home!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof gourmet meal. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped before you start cooking. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil for the pasta. While it heats, pat the steak and shrimp dry and season the steak. Cook the pasta to al dente, reserving one cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. When searing the steak in the hot skillet, avoid moving the pieces for the first minute to achieve a proper crust. After removing the steak and shrimp, proceed directly to the sauce in the same skillet to utilize all the flavorful browned bits.
Serving Suggestions
Plate this luxurious pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the steak and shrimp. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the extra creamy sauce. For drinks, a medium-bodied Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir complements the surf and turf flavors beautifully.
How-to Summary
To summarize: cook pasta, sear seasoned steak, then cook shrimp in the same pan. Create a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce in that skillet, toss the pasta in it, and combine with the cooked proteins. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein? Yes, scallops or lobster make excellent seafood substitutes, while chicken can replace the steak. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I prevent the sauce from splitting? Keep the heat at medium when making the sauce and avoid boiling the cream vigorously. Adding the cheese off the heat can also help.
What if my sauce is too thick? Use the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to thin the sauce to a silky, cohesive consistency.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? It’s best served fresh. However, you can prep components (season meat, chop garlic) in advance for faster assembly.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream? For a slightly lighter version, substitute half-and-half, but be careful not to overheat it as it can curdle more easily.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the shrimp: They cook quickly and become rubbery if left in the pan too long.
- Using pre-grated Parmesan: It often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grate your cheese for a superior sauce.
- Crowding the skillet when searing steak: This steams the meat instead of creating a flavorful sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Draining pasta without reserving water: The starchy water is a crucial tool for adjusting sauce consistency.
Conclusion
This Surf and Turf Creamy Pasta transforms simple, quality ingredients into a restaurant-worthy indulgence. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can confidently create a spectacular dish that impresses with its harmonious blend of savory steak, succulent shrimp, and luxurious cream sauce. It’s a celebration meal that proves gourmet cooking is entirely achievable in your own kitchen.