Description
Steak, Shrimp, and Creamy Pasta
This dish brings together perfectly grilled steak, succulent shrimp, and a rich, creamy pasta for a flavorful and satisfying meal. It’s the ultimate surf-and-turf combination, sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Steak:
2 steaks (your choice: ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Shrimp:
12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Creamy Pasta:
1 lb fettuccine or your choice of pasta
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Steak: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Rub the steaks with olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill or sear the steaks for about 4-5 minutes per side (depending on thickness) to your desired doneness. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Prepare the Shrimp: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp just before removing from the heat.
Make the Creamy Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated.
Assemble the Dish: Plate the creamy pasta and top with the sliced steak and shrimp. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan, if desired.
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Step-by-Step Guide
For best results, follow this sequence to manage all three components efficiently. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. While it heats, season your steaks and shrimp as per the ingredients list. Start cooking the steak on your preheated grill or skillet. As the steak cooks, begin sautéing the shrimp in a separate skillet—they cook quickly. Once both proteins are done and resting, cook the pasta in the boiling water. Simultaneously, use the same skillet from the shrimp (wiped clean) to make the creamy sauce. This overlapping method ensures everything finishes hot and ready to assemble at the same time.
Serving Suggestions
Plate this impressive dish on a warm platter or individual plates. For a restaurant-quality presentation, twirl the pasta with tongs into a nest, then artfully arrange the sliced steak and shrimp around it. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Serve immediately with a side of garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce and a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
How-to Summary
To create Steak, Shrimp, and Creamy Pasta: 1) Season and grill/pan-sear the steak to your preferred doneness, then let it rest. 2) Quickly sauté seasoned shrimp with lemon juice. 3) Boil pasta until al dente. 4) In a saucepan, create a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. 5) Toss the pasta in the sauce, then top with sliced steak and shrimp. The key is timing all components to finish together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. Chicken scallops or even lobster tails make excellent substitutes for either the steak or shrimp.
How can I make the sauce lighter? Substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half, though the sauce will be slightly less thick. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast.
My sauce broke or became grainy. What happened? This often occurs if the heat is too high when adding the cheese, causing it to separate. Always simmer cream gently and add grated Parmesan off the heat, stirring constantly until melted.
Can I prepare any part ahead of time? You can season the steak and shrimp hours in advance. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can prep the garlic and measure ingredients beforehand.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. Microwave reheating can overcook the shrimp and steak.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook in just 2-3 minutes per side. They become rubbery if left on heat too long.
- Not Resting the Steak: Slicing immediately causes precious juices to run out. Let it rest for 5-7 minutes.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce. Always grate your own.
- Crowding the Pan: Avoid overcrowding when searing the steak or shrimp, as this steams them instead of creating a flavorful crust.
Conclusion
This steak, shrimp, and creamy pasta recipe delivers a decadent, restaurant-worthy meal perfect for celebrations or a luxurious weeknight dinner. By mastering the timing of the three components and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently create a stunning and delicious surf-and-turf experience. The combination of savory steak, succulent shrimp, and rich, velvety pasta is guaranteed to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.