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Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini Recipe

Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini Recipe

Emma Johnson
This Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini Recipe brings together shrimp, steak, bucatini, garlic, butter, and chili cream sauce for an easy dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian-American Fusion
Servings 4
Calories 620 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or pan
  • Medium pot (for pasta)
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Tongs
  • Colander

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz bucatini pasta
  • 8 oz sirloin steak thinly sliced
  • 8 oz raw shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 ½ tbsp Calabrian chili paste adjust to heat preference
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup pasta water reserved
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
  • Juice of half a lemon

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bucatini and cook until just al dente, usually about 9–11 minutes. Don’t overcook it because it will cook a little more in the sauce later.
  • Before draining, save about ½ cup of pasta water. This step has saved me more than once when the sauce felt too thick.
  • Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the steak

  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the sliced steak in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  • Let it sit for a minute before stirring. You want a little browning, not steaming.
  • Cook for about 3–4 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the shrimp

  • In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed.
  • Add shrimp and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly curled.
  • Don’t overcook them. I did that once and they turned rubbery—lesson learned.
  • Remove shrimp and set aside with the steak.

Step 4: Build the sauce

  • Lower heat to medium.
  • Add butter and garlic to the pan. Stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. You’ll smell it right away.
  • Add Calabrian chili paste and mix it into the butter. This is where the flavor starts building for the Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini Recipe.
  • Toss in cherry tomatoes and let them soften for about 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Make it creamy

  • Pour in heavy cream and stir. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
  • Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
  • If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Bring everything together

  • Add cooked bucatini, steak, and shrimp back into the pan.
  • Toss everything together so the sauce coats every strand of pasta.
  • Squeeze in lemon juice and give it one final mix.

Step 7: Finish and serve

  • Turn off heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
    Serve immediately while it’s warm and creamy.
    This is the moment where the Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini Recipe really comes together—the smell alone makes it hard to wait.

Notes

  • Slice steak thin so it cooks fast and stays tender
  • Always taste sauce before adding pasta
  • Add pasta water slowly, not all at once
  • Let garlic cook gently—burnt garlic ruins the flavor fast
  • If you like extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes
Keyword Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini Recipe