Description
Steak and Shrimp Pasta in Garlic Cream Sauce
A decadent surf-and-turf pasta dish combining tender steak, succulent shrimp, and creamy penne for a meal to remember!
Ingredients
For the Steak and Shrimp:
1 lb sirloin steak, sliced into strips
8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
8 oz penne pasta
For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the penne in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Steak and Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak strips with salt and pepper and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked to your preference. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and tender. Set aside.
Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Pasta:
Toss the cooked penne in the garlic cream sauce until fully coated.
Assemble the Dish:
Plate the creamy pasta and top with the seared steak and shrimp. Garnish with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper.
Indulge in this elegant and flavorful surf-and-turf pasta dish, perfect for special occasions or a luxurious dinner at home!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a flawless dish. First, prep all ingredients: slice the steak, peel the shrimp, mince the garlic, and grate the Parmesan. Begin boiling heavily salted water for the pasta. As it heats, sear the seasoned steak strips in olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure a good crust. Remove the steak and, in the same skillet, melt butter to cook the shrimp until just opaque. Remove the shrimp. Your pasta should now be cooking. For the sauce, in the same skillet, melt butter and cook garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and let it reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes. Off the heat, gradually whisk in the Parmesan until melted and the sauce is smooth. Toss the drained pasta directly into the sauce. Finally, gently fold in the steak and shrimp to warm through, then garnish and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta is a complete meal, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. For a vegetable side, consider roasted asparagus or garlic sautéed spinach. Serve with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce. A glass of full-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir complements the flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Cook pasta. Sear steak, then sauté shrimp in the same pan. Create a creamy sauce with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan in that same skillet. Combine the pasta with the sauce, then top with the cooked steak and shrimp. Garnish and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak? Yes, ribeye or flank steak are excellent alternatives. Adjust cooking time based on thickness.
How can I prevent the cream sauce from breaking? Keep the heat at a gentle simmer, never a rolling boil, and add the Parmesan off the heat, whisking constantly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? The components are best prepared fresh. The sauce can thicken too much upon reheating. For best results, cook and serve immediately.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? A combination of half-and-half and a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch can work, but the sauce will be less rich and stable.
How do I know when the shrimp are done? Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque and form a loose “C” shape. Overcooking makes them rubbery.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the skillet when searing the steak, which steams the meat instead of creating a flavorful crust.
- Overcooking the shrimp, as they continue to cook slightly from residual heat after being removed from the pan.
- Adding Parmesan cheese to the sauce while it’s at a high boil, which can cause it to clump or become grainy.
- Using pre-grated Parmesan cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.
- Rinsing the cooked pasta, which removes the starch that helps the sauce adhere to the noodles.
Conclusion
This Steak and Shrimp Pasta in Garlic Cream Sauce is the ultimate restaurant-quality meal you can create at home. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you’ll master a dish that is impressively decadent yet straightforward to prepare. The combination of savory steak, sweet shrimp, and a luxuriously creamy sauce over pasta is guaranteed to become a celebrated favorite for any special dinner occasion.