why make this recipe
This Garlic Butter Steak & Shrimp Pasta is fast and full of flavor. It gives you juicy steak, tender shrimp, and a simple garlic butter sauce. It works for a weeknight dinner or a small gathering. If you like easy seafood pasta, try this similar one-pot idea for a quick meal: one-pot garlic butter shrimp and orzo.
introduction
This dish mixes steak and shrimp with pasta and greens. The garlic butter sauce ties it all together. You do not need fancy tools. The steps are quick and clear. If you want other protein ideas to pair with garlic butter, check this slow-cooker option for beef bites to see a different method: slow-cooker garlic butter beef bites.
how to make Garlic Butter Steak & Shrimp Pasta
Work in order: cook steak, cook shrimp, boil pasta, then toss everything together. Keep the pan hot for a good sear on the steak. Save a small splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets thick. Use high heat for the steak and medium for the shrimp to avoid overcooking. For more one-pan garlic butter ideas that save time, you can look at another simple orzo recipe: another one-pot garlic butter shrimp and orzo.
Ingredients :
- 1/2 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter (divided)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & cracked pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions :
- Season steak with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden and tender.
- In the same pan, melt 1 tbsp butter, then add shrimp, garlic, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Cook 2-3 minutes per side.
- Boil spaghetti until al dente, then drain (reserve a splash of pasta water) and toss with remaining butter.
- Toss pasta with sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, and shrimp. Stir gently to coat.
- Pile steak bites over the shrimp pasta, sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley, and serve hot.
how to serve Garlic Butter Steak & Shrimp Pasta
Serve hot on warm plates. Add a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh parsley. Offer lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze. Pair with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
how to store Garlic Butter Steak & Shrimp Pasta
Cool to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Do not refreeze after reheating.
tips to make Garlic Butter Steak & Shrimp Pasta
- Pat steak and shrimp dry for a better sear.
- Use a hot pan for the steak to get browning.
- Do not overcook the shrimp; they cook fast.
- Save a splash of pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- Cut steak into similar size bites for even cooking.
- For a faster meal, use pre-cooked shrimp but add them at the end to warm.
- For one-pot convenience ideas, see this quick orzo recipe for a similar approach: quick one-pot garlic butter shrimp and orzo.
variation (if any)
- Swap spinach for arugula or kale.
- Use fettuccine or penne instead of spaghetti.
- Replace steak with chicken breast or use only shrimp for a lighter dish.
- Add chili flakes for heat.
- Stir in cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw fully and pat dry before cooking.
Q: How do I know when steak cubes are done?
A: Cook until browned outside and slightly pink inside, or to your preferred doneness. Small cubes cook quickly.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can cook components ahead, but toss fresh before serving for best texture.
Q: Is Parmesan required?
A: No. It adds flavor but you can skip it.
Q: What if the sauce is too thick?
A: Stir in a splash of reserved pasta water or broth to loosen it.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Steak & Shrimp Pasta is simple, rich, and quick to make. It works well for busy nights or a cozy dinner. For a similar skillet version with garlic butter flavor, see Garlic Butter Skillet Steak and Shrimp Recipe – Little Spice Jar.
Garlic Butter Steak & Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Season steak with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden and tender.
- In the same pan, melt 1 tbsp butter, then add shrimp, garlic, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Cook 2-3 minutes per side.
- Boil spaghetti until al dente, then drain (reserve a splash of pasta water) and toss with remaining butter.
- Toss pasta with sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, and shrimp. Stir gently to coat.
- Pile steak bites over the shrimp pasta, sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley, and serve hot.