If you’re craving a restaurant-style dinner that’s rich, buttery, garlicky, and incredibly satisfying, this Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp Over Spaghetti is the recipe to make. Tender bites of seasoned steak and juicy shrimp are cooked in fragrant garlic butter, then served over perfectly cooked spaghetti for an easy surf-and-turf pasta dinner.

Every bite combines savory steak, succulent shrimp, buttery garlic, Parmesan, and tender pasta. It’s comforting enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for date night, special occasions, or a family dinner everyone will remember.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp Pasta

This recipe brings together two dinner favorites—steak and shrimp—with a creamy, garlicky spaghetti base.

The steak gets beautifully browned, the shrimp cook quickly in the same flavorful skillet, and the garlic butter sauce ties everything together.

Here’s why this recipe is a keeper:

• Juicy steak and tender shrimp
• Rich garlic butter flavor
• Creamy Parmesan spaghetti
• Easy one-skillet sauce
• Ready in about 30–40 minutes
• Perfect for date night
• Restaurant-style flavor at home
• Easy to customize

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Steak

• 1 pound sirloin or ribeye steak
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water, as needed

For the Spaghetti

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• Salt for the pasta water

For Garnishing

• Fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Optional red pepper flakes
• Lemon wedges

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp Over Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente.

Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water.

Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.

The pasta water is important because its starch helps loosen the sauce and allows it to cling beautifully to the spaghetti.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak

Pat the steak dry with paper towels.

Cut it into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch cubes.

Place the steak in a bowl and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Toss until evenly coated.

Patting the steak dry before seasoning helps it develop a better sear.

Step 3: Sear the Steak

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the olive oil.

Once the skillet is hot, add the steak pieces in a single layer.

Avoid overcrowding the pan. If necessary, cook the steak in batches.

Sear the steak for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, depending on the size of the pieces and your preferred doneness.

You want the outside beautifully browned while the inside remains tender.

Transfer the steak to a plate and loosely cover it while you prepare the shrimp.

Step 4: Cook the Garlic Butter Shrimp

Using the same skillet, add the butter.

Once melted, add the minced garlic.

Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Add the seasoned shrimp.

Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp become opaque and are cooked through.

Don’t overcook them. Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if left in the pan too long.

Transfer the shrimp to the same plate as the steak.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Keep the skillet over medium-low heat.

Add the remaining butter if needed.

Pour in the chicken broth and gently scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon.

Those browned bits left behind from the steak and shrimp are packed with flavor.

Add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.

Stir gently and allow the sauce to simmer for approximately 2–3 minutes.

Reduce the heat to low.

Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Continue adding small amounts until the sauce reaches a silky consistency.

Step 6: Add the Spaghetti

Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet.

Use tongs to toss the pasta through the garlic Parmesan sauce.

Continue tossing until the spaghetti is completely coated.

If needed, add another splash of pasta water.

The sauce should cling to the spaghetti rather than pool at the bottom of the skillet.

Step 7: Add the Steak and Shrimp

Return the cooked steak and shrimp to the skillet.

Gently toss everything together for about 1–2 minutes, just until heated through.

Be careful not to cook the shrimp or steak for too long at this stage.

You want the steak juicy and the shrimp tender.

Remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the spaghetti with freshly chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese.

For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the shrimp adds a bright finish that balances the richness of the garlic butter sauce.

Serve immediately while everything is warm and creamy.

Tips for the Best Steak and Shrimp Spaghetti

Choose the Right Steak

Sirloin is a great option because it’s flavorful and relatively affordable.

For an extra-rich dinner, ribeye is an excellent choice because the marbling adds plenty of flavor.

Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet

Give the steak enough room to sear properly.

If the pan is too crowded, the steak may release moisture and steam instead of developing a delicious crust.

Use Fresh Garlic

Fresh garlic makes a noticeable difference in this recipe.

It creates a stronger, more aromatic garlic butter flavor than garlic powder alone.

Grate Your Own Parmesan

Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce.

Pre-shredded cheese can sometimes contain anti-caking ingredients that make creamy sauces less smooth.

Keep the Heat Low When Adding Cheese

High heat can cause dairy-based sauces to separate.

Once you add the Parmesan, keep the heat low and stir gently until the cheese melts.

Easy Variations

Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp

Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the steak seasoning and sauce.

Cajun Steak and Shrimp Pasta

Replace the seasonings with your favorite Cajun seasoning for a smoky, spicy version.

Mushroom Steak and Shrimp Spaghetti

Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet before preparing the sauce.

The mushrooms absorb the garlic butter and steak juices beautifully.

Spinach Garlic Butter Pasta

Add a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach to the sauce just before adding the spaghetti.

Allow it to wilt for a few minutes.

Extra Cheesy Version

Add shredded mozzarella or a little extra Parmesan to make the sauce even richer.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp Spaghetti

This pasta is filling on its own, but simple sides can make it a complete dinner.

Try serving it with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Fresh garden salad
• Roasted asparagus
• Broccoli
• Green beans
• Garlic knots
• Bruschetta

A crisp salad is particularly good because it adds freshness to the rich pasta.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool slightly before transferring them to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

When reheating, add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Reheat gently over low heat or in short microwave intervals.

Avoid overheating the shrimp because they can become tough.

Can You Freeze This Pasta?

You can freeze the pasta, but the creamy sauce may change texture slightly after thawing.

For best results, freeze individual portions in airtight freezer-safe containers.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a little milk or cream.

Freshly prepared is best, but frozen leftovers can still make a convenient meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What steak is best for this recipe?

Sirloin and ribeye are both excellent choices. Sirloin is leaner, while ribeye provides richer flavor because of its marbling.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely. Linguine, fettuccine, penne, or angel hair can all work well.

How do I keep the shrimp tender?

Cook them only until they become opaque and cooked through. Shrimp typically need just a few minutes.

Why is my sauce too thick?

Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce becomes smooth and silky.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp Over Spaghetti is the ultimate combination of hearty steak, juicy shrimp, creamy Parmesan sauce, and tender pasta.

The steak and shrimp are cooked in garlic butter to build layers of savory flavor, while the Parmesan sauce brings everything together into a silky coating that clings to every strand of spaghetti.

Whether you’re making dinner for your family, planning a romantic date night, or simply craving something extra delicious, this recipe delivers.

Serve it hot with garlic bread, a crisp salad, extra Parmesan, and a little fresh parsley.

Tender steak + juicy shrimp + creamy garlic Parmesan spaghetti = one seriously irresistible dinner!