Oh boy, do I have something delicious to share with you today! Whenever I whip up this **Steak and Shrimp Pasta with Roasted Asparagus**, it feels like I’m hosting a little fancy dinner party right in my own kitchen. Seriously, the aroma of the garlic and herbs while everything cooks is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This dish is not only scrumptious, but it also brings back wonderful memories of cozy dinners with friends, complete with laughter and a little too much wine.
The best part? You can impress your guests (or yourself) without spending hours in the kitchen! The combination of succulent shrimp, tender steak, and vibrant roasted asparagus makes for a meal that feels gourmet but is so easy to assemble. Plus, toss in some spinach for that health boost, and you’ve got a well-rounded dinner that’s as pretty as it is delicious. Let’s dive in, shall we?
What’s in this Steak and Shrimp Pasta?
– Spaghetti or Fettuccine: You can use either pasta based on what you have on hand or what you prefer. I’m a sucker for fettuccine – it just feels a little more indulgent to me!
– Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp here! If you’re in a pinch, frozen shrimp works too; just make sure to thaw them before cooking.
– Steak: I like to use cuts like sirloin or ribeye for their rich flavor. Bite-sized pieces sear beautifully and add a lovely depth to the dish.
– Asparagus: Fresh asparagus adds a crunch and a pop of green. Always trim off those woody ends!
– Olive Oil: A staple for cooking and roasting; I prefer extra virgin for its flavor, but any quality oil will do.
– Garlic: The fragrant superstar! Feel free to adjust based on how much you love garlic. I always go for four cloves, because why not?
– Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch will do to give that little kick. If you’re not into spice, leave them out entirely.
– Spinach or Kale: This is your dose of greens. Either is a great addition and will wilt down nicely in the heat.
– Parmesan Cheese: Grated cheese is the finishing touch; it just melts beautifully into the pasta.
– Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning everything to perfection.
– Chives or Parsley: For garnish – a little freshness goes a long way!
– Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon brightens up the flavors and takes this dish to another level!
Is Steak and Shrimp Pasta Good for You?
I like to think of this dish as a balanced meal, with protein from the steak and shrimp, healthy fats from the olive oil, and a good serving of greens from the spinach (or kale) and asparagus.
Shrimp: Low in calories yet high in nutrients, shrimp provides selenium, vitamin B12, and other essential vitamins.
Steak: Packed with protein and iron, steak is a good choice when enjoyed in moderation.
Asparagus: This green gem is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E, and K. Plus, it’s great for digestive health!
Just remember to moderate the cheese and olive oil if you’re watching your calorie intake, but honestly, a little indulgence never hurt anybody, right?
Ingredients
– 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed
– 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 cup spinach or kale
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish
– Lemon wedges, for serving
Serves: 4
How to Make Steak and Shrimp Pasta?
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay out the trimmed asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and give it a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Roast for about 12-15 minutes until it’s tender and has those lovely charred edges.
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to boil, then toss in your spaghetti or fettuccine and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Save about 1/2 cup of that pasta water (trust me, it’s liquid gold), then drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Time to sear that steak! In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your steak pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear away for about 3-4 minutes per side until you achieve your desired doneness. Remove them from the pan, letting them rest.
4. Use the same skillet, and add another tablespoon of olive oil if it looks a bit dry. Lower the heat to medium, toss in that minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you like a kick), and sauté for about 30 seconds until your kitchen smells heavenly.
5. Add the shrimp to the skillet next, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Stir in the spinach or kale, cooking just until it wilts.
6. Toss that cooked pasta into the skillet with the shrimp and garlic mixture. If it looks dry, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach that perfect consistency. Give everything a good mix.
7. Slice up your rested steak and lay it atop the pasta along with those beautifully roasted asparagus spears. Don’t forget to generously sprinkle on the grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley.
8. Serve dollops of lemon wedges on the side, and watch your guests (or you) fall in love with every delightful bite!
Extra Tips for a Perfect Dish!
Feel free to customize this dish! You can swap out the asparagus for broccoli or even cherry tomatoes for a different vibe. Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to fit your dietary needs.
If you want a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of cream or a bit of your favorite alfredo sauce. And let’s be real, a little extra garlic never hurt anyone!
I hope you try this recipe out – it’s sure to get rave reviews at your dinner table! Share your experience, and let me know how it turned out. Happy cooking!
