Creamy Garlic Steak Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Garlic Steak & Shrimp Pasta is the kind of dinner that feels rich, cozy, and just a little luxurious. It brings together tender slices of seared steak, juicy shrimp, and penne pasta all wrapped in a silky garlic Parmesan sauce.

This is a wonderful recipe for a special weekend meal, a date night at home, or one of those evenings when you want dinner to feel extra comforting. As the steak sears and the shrimp sizzle in the skillet, the kitchen fills with that savory, buttery aroma that makes everyone suddenly hungry.

The sauce is creamy and garlicky, with Parmesan for richness and a little lemon to brighten everything up. It’s hearty, flavorful, and full of that surf-and-turf magic that makes each bite feel special.

Ingredients

For the Pasta, Steak, and Shrimp

12 ounces penne pasta
2 ribeye, sirloin, or strip steaks
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning or paprika
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt, to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon slices, for serving

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth or beef broth
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: About 720 kcal per serving

Instructions

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente, following the package directions.

Before draining, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set it aside in case you need to loosen the sauce later. Drain the pasta and keep it nearby.

Now, pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and a little Cajun seasoning or paprika.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the steaks.

Sear the steaks for 3 to 5 minutes per side, depending on their thickness and how you like them cooked. You want a beautiful browned crust on the outside.

Transfer the steaks to a plate or cutting board and let them rest. This keeps the juices inside when you slice them later.

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning or paprika, then add them to the pan.

Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and tender. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside with the steak.

Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter to the skillet, then stir in the minced garlic.

Cook for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic smells warm and fragrant. Don’t let it burn.

Pour in the broth and scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom of the pan. That’s where so much of the flavor is hiding.

Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper.

Let the sauce simmer gently until it turns smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.

Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss until every piece is coated in the garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it’s just right.

Slice the rested steak into strips. Place the steak and shrimp over the creamy pasta, then spoon a little extra sauce over the top.

Presentation

Serve this pasta in wide, shallow bowls so the steak and shrimp can sit beautifully on top. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a little extra Parmesan, and a few lemon slices on the side.

For a restaurant-style finish, fan the steak slices over the pasta and tuck the shrimp around them. A final drizzle of sauce makes everything look glossy and inviting.

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but it’s lovely with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or steamed broccoli.

Nutritional Information:

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
🔥 Kcal: 720 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 4 servings

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Steak & Shrimp Pasta is a comforting, impressive meal that brings big flavor to the table. The tender steak, buttery shrimp, and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce come together in a way that feels indulgent and homemade at the same time.

It’s the kind of recipe that makes dinner feel like an occasion, even if you’re just staying in. Try it when you’re craving something cozy, creamy, and full of flavor — and don’t forget a little extra Parmesan on top.