Description
Creamy Pasta with Steak and Shrimp
Ingredients:
Strip steak
Prawns
Linguine, garlic, cream, Parmesan
Instructions:
Prepare Steak: Grill steak, season well. Slice thinly.
Shrimp: Cook prawns in seasoned olive oil.
Pasta: Al dente linguine is key!
Sauce: Combine cream, Parmesan, and nutmeg. Add pasta water as needed.
Serve: Garnish generously with parsley.
Idea: Add a splash of lemon juice to balance flavors!
#AlfrescoSurfTurf
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Ingredients: Bring steak to room temperature. Pat shrimp dry. Grate Parmesan, mince garlic, and chop parsley.
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook linguine 1-2 minutes less than package directions for al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Sear the Steak: Season steak generously. On a hot grill or skillet, cook to desired doneness (3-4 mins per side for medium-rare). Rest for 10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
4. Sauté the Shrimp: In the same pan, heat olive oil. Add shrimp, season, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
5. Make the Sauce: In the pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in cream and bring to a simmer. Whisk in grated Parmesan and a pinch of nutmeg until smooth. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to reach a creamy consistency.
6. Combine: Add drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Fold in steak and shrimp to warm through. Finish with a splash of fresh lemon juice and garnish with parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this decadent pasta immediately in warm bowls. Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For wine, a full-bodied Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir complements the surf and turf flavors perfectly. Crusty garlic bread is essential for soaking up every bit of the creamy sauce.
How-to Summary
Cook pasta al dente, reserving water. Sear and rest steak, then slice. Sauté shrimp. Create a creamy Parmesan sauce with garlic and nutmeg, using pasta water to adjust consistency. Combine all elements, finish with lemon and parsley, and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak? Yes, ribeye or sirloin work well. Adjust cooking time based on thickness.
How do I prevent the sauce from breaking? Keep the heat low when adding cheese and use full-fat cream. Adding the cheese off direct heat helps.
Can I make this ahead of time? The components can be prepped, but combine just before serving as the pasta continues to absorb sauce.
What if I don’t have fresh nutmeg? A tiny pinch of ground nutmeg is fine, but fresh grated provides the best, most aromatic flavor.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use a lighter hand with the Parmesan. Increase the lemon juice for brightness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta. Al dente is crucial as it finishes cooking in the sauce.
- Slicing the steak before it rests, which causes all the flavorful juices to run out.
- Adding cheese to boiling sauce, which can cause it to clump or become grainy.
- Using pre-grated Parmesan, which often contains anti-caking agents and doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Forgetting to reserve the starchy pasta water, which is key for saucing.
Conclusion
This creamy pasta with steak and shrimp is a restaurant-quality meal achievable in your own kitchen. By following the key steps—cooking components separately, building a simple but luxurious sauce, and combining at the end—you ensure perfect texture and flavor in every bite. The final splash of lemon juice is not optional; it’s the essential bright note that elevates the entire dish. Perfect for a special occasion or an impressive weeknight dinner, this Alfresco Surf and Turf is sure to become a favorite.