Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4
This Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini Recipe combines juicy steak, tender shrimp, spicy Calabrian chili paste, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich buttery sauce.
It is a restaurant-style meal that is surprisingly easy to prepare at home for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bucatini pasta | 12 ounces |
| Sirloin steak, sliced | 12 ounces |
| Large shrimp, peeled and deveined | 12 ounces |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Unsalted butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Calabrian chili paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
How to Make Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the bucatini in salted water until al dente, then drain while reserving half a cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil and cook seasoned steak slices until browned, then transfer them onto a plate to rest briefly.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Melt butter, cook shrimp for two minutes per side until pink, then remove before they become overcooked.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Cook garlic with Calabrian chili paste, stir in cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, and mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return steak, shrimp, and pasta to the skillet, toss gently with sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley and extra Parmesan over the pasta before serving immediately while everything remains hot.
What is Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini Recipe?
Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini Recipe is an Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring tender steak, juicy shrimp, thick bucatini, creamy sauce, Parmesan cheese, and spicy Calabrian chili paste. The combination creates a rich meal with balanced heat, savory flavors, and satisfying textures.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor using simple ingredients. The steak stays juicy, the shrimp cook quickly, and the creamy spicy sauce coats every strand of pasta beautifully. It feels special enough for guests while remaining easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Pro Tips for Best Result
- Pat steak and shrimp dry before cooking.
- Cook shrimp just until pink.
- Save pasta water for the sauce.
- Let steak rest before slicing.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can replace sirloin with ribeye or flank steak. Chicken works well instead of shrimp. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan, and crushed red pepper if Calabrian chili paste is unavailable.
Easy Variations You Can Try
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra vegetables.
Try grilled chicken instead of steak or swap bucatini with fettuccine or linguine. Increase the chili paste if you enjoy a spicier pasta dish.
Love creamy pasta dishes? Try my Pizza Hut Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe for another rich and comforting restaurant-style dinner that’s easy to make at home.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking shrimp because they become rubbery. Do not boil the pasta too long. Skip rinsing cooked pasta, and avoid adding too much chili paste at once since the sauce can become overwhelmingly spicy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta with warm garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or toasted focaccia.
A squeeze of fresh lemon and additional Parmesan cheese make every serving brighter and even more flavorful.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers within two hours.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of cream.
- Avoid freezing cooked shrimp for best texture.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 720 kcal |
| Protein | 46 g |
| Carbohydrates | 47 g |
| Fat | 38 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16 g |
| Cholesterol | 205 mg |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Health Benefits
This meal provides protein from steak and shrimp to support muscles. Garlic and parsley add antioxidants, while Parmesan contributes calcium.
When enjoyed in moderation, it offers a satisfying balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
What Does It Taste Like?
The pasta tastes creamy, buttery, savory, and slightly spicy. Tender steak and sweet shrimp pair perfectly with rich Parmesan, while the Calabrian chili paste adds gentle heat without overpowering the overall flavor.
Best Steak to Use for This Recipe
Choosing the right steak makes a big difference. Sirloin offers a great balance of tenderness and value, while ribeye adds extra richness.
New York strip is another excellent choice that stays juicy when quickly seared in a hot skillet.
Choosing the Best Shrimp
Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well when properly prepared. Large shrimp provide the best texture and presentation.
Peel, devein, and pat them dry before cooking to achieve a flavorful sear without releasing excess moisture into the pan.
Personal Experience
I first made this Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini Recipe for a weekend dinner when I wanted something restaurant-worthy without leaving home.
The creamy spicy sauce impressed everyone, and the combination of steak, shrimp, and bucatini quickly became one of my favorite comfort meals.
Conclusion
This Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini Recipe is an easy way to create an impressive dinner with bold Italian-inspired flavors.
Follow the simple steps, adjust the spice to your preference, and enjoy a memorable homemade meal with family or friends.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a rating, share it with your friends, and tell us your favorite variation in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Yes. Reduce the Calabrian chili paste or mix it with extra cream for a milder, balanced flavor.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking for the best texture and browning.
Which steak works best?
Sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip all work well because they stay tender and flavorful after quick cooking.
Can I prepare it ahead?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the steak ahead, then cook fresh pasta before serving for best results.
What pasta can replace bucatini?
Spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or rigatoni are excellent alternatives if bucatini is unavailable.
If you’re serving this with steak, don’t miss my Yard House Steak Bowl Recipe for another hearty meal packed with bold flavors and tender beef.
Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil the bucatini in salted water until al dente, then drain while reserving half a cup of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil and cook seasoned steak slices until browned, then transfer them onto a plate to rest briefly.
- Melt butter, cook shrimp for two minutes per side until pink, then remove before they become overcooked.
- Cook garlic with Calabrian chili paste, stir in cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, and mix until smooth and creamy.
- Return steak, shrimp, and pasta to the skillet, toss gently with sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley and extra Parmesan over the pasta before serving immediately while everything remains hot.
