Creamy Surf and Turf Pasta

Every time I make this Creamy Surf and Turf Pasta, it reminds me of special family gatherings filled with laughter and love. There’s something truly magical about sitting around the dinner table with my loved ones, sharing stories and delicious food. The moment the steam rises from this creamy pasta, it means I’ve created something that evokes warmth and comfort. You’ll find that as soon as you take the first bite, you’ll feel that same cozy connection. Trust me, this dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience!

Now, let me guide you through making this delightful dish. I’ll share the ingredients, steps, and my personal tips to ensure it turns out just right. You’ll soon be the star of your kitchen, delighting family and friends with a meal that brings everyone together!

How to make Creamy Surf and Turf Pasta

Ingredients:

Let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need. It’s important not only for flavor but also for that beautiful presentation. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious recipe:

• 2 filet mignon or sirloin steaks: The heart of your surf and turf! Opt for well-marbled cuts for extra flavor.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps to sear the steaks to perfection, adding a lovely richness.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning these delicious pieces of meat.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a zing that finds its way into every bite.
• Fresh parsley for garnish: A pop of color and freshness on your plate.
• 8 large shrimp (peeled and deveined): These beauties bring a lovely seafood flair to the dish.
• 1/2 tsp paprika: For a hint of smokiness.
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a nice kick—use it if you love some spice!
• 300g (10 oz) linguine or fettuccine: The perfect pasta to soak up that creamy sauce.
• 2 tbsp butter: Because everything’s better with butter, right?
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic elevates the flavor—don’t skip this!
• 1 cup heavy cream: This is what gives the pasta its luxurious creaminess.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Classic cheese that adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg: Just a pinch adds a warm, aromatic touch.

Personal note: I love adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the steak while it cooks—it makes everything smell amazing!

Cooking Steps:

This part is easy, I promise! Let’s break it down into simple steps.

1. Prepare the steak: Start by seasoning both sides of the steak with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This first step is crucial because you want those flavors to create a beautiful crust.

2. Sear the steak: Heat a grill pan or skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the steaks. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on how well-done you like them. Remember, adjust the cooking time according to your preferred doneness!

3. Let them rest: When your steaks are done, remove them from the heat and let them rest for at least 5 minutes. This step is important for juicy steak, allowing the juices to redistribute.

4. Cook the shrimp: In the same pan where you cooked the steak (oh, the flavor!), add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Toss in the peeled and deveined shrimp with paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once done, set them aside.

5. Boil the pasta: Boil your linguine or fettuccine according to the package instructions. Make sure to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining! It’s a little trick that helps adjust your sauce.

6. Make the buttery garlic sauce: In the same skillet, melt your butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. The smell will be heavenly!

7. Add the cream: Now it’s time for that rich creamy sauce! Pour in the heavy cream, followed by the Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer until slightly thickened—that should take about 3-5 minutes.

8. Combine the pasta: Once your sauce looks luscious, toss in the drained pasta. The sauce will coat the pasta beautifully. If it seems too thick, add a bit of that reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency!

9. Slice the steak: While the pasta is soaking up all that creaminess, slice your rested steak into bite-sized pieces.

10. Serve it up: Plate the creamy pasta and top it with the seared steak and shrimp. Garnish with fresh parsley for that restaurant-style presentation!

Why I Love Making This Dish:

This dish is incredibly special to me for many reasons. Each time I prepare Creamy Surf and Turf Pasta, I’m not just cooking; I’m creating memories. It’s a dish that I reserve for gatherings, and you can sense the excitement in the air whenever I mention it. When I made it last month for my family’s Sunday dinner, everyone lit up—it was the talk of the evening!

When I think about making this dish, I can’t help but smile. It’s simple, yet it feels like a treat. Pairing the rich, creamy sauce with perfectly cooked steak and shrimp creates a culinary hug that warms the heart.

What You’ll Need:

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this dish—just a few common kitchen tools! Here’s what I recommend having on hand:

• A good quality skillet or grill pan: You’ll want something sturdy for searing.
• A pot for boiling the pasta: Make sure to use a large one so the pasta cooks evenly.
• A sharp knife and cutting board: For slicing that beautiful steak.
• A wooden spoon: Great for mixing everything together and scraping the delicious bits off the bottom of the pan.

Tips for Perfect Results:

• For a super crispy sear on your steak, make sure your pan is very hot before adding the meat.
• Don’t skip resting the steak! It’s a game changer for keeping the meat juicy.
• If you want even creamier sauce, you can substitute some of the heavy cream with half-and-half.
• When selecting shrimp, opt for the largest ones you can find—they really make a statement on the plate.

Serving Suggestions and Sides:

When it comes to serving this delicious surf and turf pasta, think about adding a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables on the side. A simple arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette pairs nicely, adding a bright contrast to the richness of the pasta. I also love serving it with a crusty garlic bread—you can never go wrong with bread!

Leftovers:

If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt that will happen!), storing and reheating them is easy. Just place the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in a pan with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce, adding some fresh parsley for that burst of flavor.

FAQ Section:

Can I use boneless chicken instead of steak?
You certainly can, but trust me, using steak makes a world of difference! The flavors are just so much richer.

What type of pasta works best?
I love linguine or fettuccine for this dish, but any pasta you have on hand will do. Just ensure it’s a noodle that can hold onto sauce well!

How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is quite mild as written, but if you enjoy heat, feel free to add more cayenne or even some crushed red pepper flakes.

Can I make it ahead of time?
While I recommend enjoying this dish fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the steak and shrimp, store them separately, and make the sauce and pasta right before serving.

Conclusion:

This Creamy Surf and Turf Pasta has become a cherished favorite in my house, and I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of creating it. I’m filled with excitement just thinking about how delicious this will taste for you and your family. With every forkful, you’re going to feel the warmth of home, love, and comfort! So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking. And when you do try this recipe, let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear about your own family moments around the table!