This Garlic Steak Bites and Shrimp Pasta is the perfect blend of surf and turf, combining tender steak bites and juicy shrimp with pasta in a rich, creamy garlic sauce. Each bite brings a mix of flavors, from the juicy steak to the succulent shrimp, with a touch of garlic that ties it all together. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that’s simple enough to make at home, perfect for a special dinner or as a comfort meal to impress friends and family.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites and Shrimp
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta and Cream Sauce
- 8 oz pasta (your choice, like fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by prepping all ingredients to streamline the cooking process. Cut the sirloin steak into bite-sized pieces, making sure each piece is roughly uniform for even cooking. Peel and devein the shrimp, if needed, and mince the garlic cloves. Gather all ingredients, so they’re within easy reach as you cook.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Al dente pasta will hold up well in the sauce without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain and set the pasta aside, keeping it warm.
- Heat Oil for Steak Bites: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Let the oil heat until it begins to shimmer, indicating it’s hot enough to sear the steak.
- Cook the Steak Bites: Add the steak bites to the hot skillet, season with salt, black pepper, and paprika, and let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes. Stir the steak to cook on all sides, allowing each piece to develop a nice brown crust. This should take about 4-5 minutes total, depending on your preferred level of doneness.
- Remove Steak and Set Aside: Once the steak bites are browned and cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Leaving the browned bits in the skillet will add flavor to the shrimp and sauce.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp and minced garlic, stirring occasionally. Season with a pinch of salt and cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
- Remove Shrimp and Set Aside: Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the steak bites. Leave any remaining garlic and browned bits in the skillet for extra flavor in the sauce.
- Melt Butter for Sauce: Reduce the skillet’s heat to medium, and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt, stirring gently to pick up any remaining browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits will add depth and flavor to the sauce.
- Create the Garlic Cream Sauce: Once the butter has melted and started to bubble, slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes as the cream and butter meld together.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Be patient as the cheese melts to ensure a silky texture. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and add salt and black pepper as needed. Remember that Parmesan cheese is salty, so adjust the seasoning carefully.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until well-coated. Allow the pasta to absorb some of the sauce for a few minutes, enhancing the dish’s flavor.
- Return Steak and Shrimp to Skillet: Add the cooked steak bites and shrimp back into the skillet with the pasta. Toss gently to combine all ingredients, ensuring each bite has a bit of steak, shrimp, and pasta coated in the garlic cream sauce.
- Garnish with Fresh Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a touch of color and a fresh flavor. Garnishing with parsley adds a hint of brightness that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed immediately, while the steak and shrimp are tender and the sauce is creamy and warm. Serve directly from the skillet or transfer to a serving dish.
Additional Cooking Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Longer pasta, such as fettuccine or linguine, works well for creamy sauces, while shorter pastas like penne or rigatoni hold onto the sauce’s thickness.
- Control the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to thin it. If too thin, allow the sauce to simmer a bit longer until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Rest the Steak: After cooking, letting the steak rest helps retain its juices. You can cover it loosely with foil while preparing other ingredients.
Nutritional Information
This meal is a balanced blend of protein, carbs, and fats, making it a satisfying option. The lean sirloin steak provides protein without excess fat, while the shrimp offers low-calorie protein with essential minerals. Parmesan cheese and heavy cream add richness, so portion control is key for a balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Vegetables: Add a simple green salad, steamed asparagus, or roasted vegetables to complement the richness of the pasta.
- Garnish with Extra Parmesan: A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top adds a delicious finishing touch for cheese lovers.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between, to ensure even heating.
This Garlic Steak Bites and Shrimp Pasta brings the best of both worlds with a savory surf-and-turf combination in a creamy, garlicky sauce. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, this dish is a wonderful way to create an indulgent meal that’s worthy of a special occasion or simply a satisfying weeknight dinner. Enjoy this recipe, and feel free to make it your own by adjusting the seasonings or adding extra veggies for an added nutritional boost!
GARLIC STEAK BITS AND SHRIMP PASTA
Indulge in a delightful surf-and-turf meal with this Garlic Steak Bits and Shrimp Pasta. Tender steak bites and succulent shrimp are combined with pasta in a rich, garlicky sauce, creating a satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Steak Bits and Shrimp:
1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
8 oz pasta (your choice)
2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Steak Bits
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the shrimp and garlic, cooking until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta, steak bites, and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce and heated through.
Serve the pasta garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4