A Gourmet Dinner Ready in Under 40 Minutes
When you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, nothing beats the combination of tender steak and juicy shrimp. This Garlic Butter Steak & Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate surf & turf experience, packed with bold flavor and high-quality nutrition. It is a quick, satisfying dinner idea that brings together the best of land and sea in one unforgettable bite.
At Healthy Good Food, we believe in meals that are both a comfort food flex and a protein-packed powerhouse. With 50g of protein per serving, this pasta dish is a wholesome high-protein comfort meal that keeps you fueled and satisfied.
1. Ingredients for the Ultimate Surf & Turf Pasta
To create this flavor-packed protein upgrade, gather these fresh and savory ingredients (Serves 2):
The Proteins:
- 1/2 lb Sirloin or Ribeye Steak: Cut into bite-sized cubes for a classic comfort bite.
- 1/2 lb Large Shrimp: Peeled and deveined for an easy weeknight seafood twist.
The Pasta & Base:
- 8 oz Spaghetti or Linguine: Your choice for a creamy, buttery base.
- 4 Garlic Cloves, minced: The heart of the garlic butter goodness.
- Butter & Olive Oil: For searing and creating a glossy finish.
The Flavor Boosters:
- Fresh Veggies: 2 cups fresh spinach and 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers for a fresh veggie boost.
- Spices: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and cracked pepper.
- Toppings: Grated Parmesan and fresh parsley for a gourmet-level finish.
2. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites to Perfection
Start by seasoning your steak cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a hot skillet until shimmering. Sear the steak bites quickly until they are golden and tender. This locks in the juices and creates a caramelized exterior that anchors the dish. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside to rest.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic Shrimp
In the same pan (don’t wash it—those steak juices are gold!), melt 1 tbsp of butter. Add the shrimp, minced garlic, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. This flavor-packed protein will absorb all that rich garlic aroma.
Step 3: Prepare the Al Dente Pasta
While the proteins are cooking, boil your spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta, but remember to reserve a splash of pasta water. Toss the hot pasta with the remaining butter to create a rich, slippery base that is pure comfort food perfection.
Step 4: Build the Flavor Bowl
Combine the pasta with the sautéed spinach and roasted red peppers. Add the shrimp and stir gently. If the pasta looks a bit dry, add that reserved pasta water to emulsify the butter into a smooth garlic butter goodness sauce.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Pile those juicy steak bites over the shrimp pasta. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve hot for an ultimate comfort-meets-fresh bite that feels like a five-star restaurant meal.
3. Nutritional Profile & Fitness Goals
This meal is a heavy hitter for anyone tracking their macros.
- Calories: ~720 kcal
- Protein: ~50g (A true protein-packed meal)
- Time: Ready in just 35 minutes
Using our Protein Calculator, you can see how this recipe helps you hit your daily goals while enjoying a bold seasoning blend that never feels like a diet.
4. Pro-Tips for the Best Results
- Pat it Dry: Always pat your steak and shrimp dry with a paper towel before cooking to ensure a golden crisp instead of steaming.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks fast! As soon as they turn “C” shaped, they are done.
- Fresh Garlic is Best: For that rich garlic butter pasta flavor, always use fresh cloves over the bottled kind.
Conclusion: An Unforgettable Weeknight Hero
This Garlic Butter Steak & Shrimp Pasta is proof that you can have a gourmet experience at home without a massive effort. It is a no-fail brunch favorite (if you’re feeling fancy) or a spectacular dinner that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
