Spicy Calabrian Steak & Shrimp Bucatini Recipe

Prep time: 25 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

If you’re looking to ignite your taste buds with a dish that’s both elegant and exhilarating, then this Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini recipe is your answer. Combining the robust flavors of tender steak with succulent shrimp, all tossed in a creamy, spicy Calabrian chili sauce with perfectly al dente bucatini pasta, this meal is a guaranteed showstopper for any night of the week. The unique, piquant kick of Calabrian chilies, balanced with the richness of the sauce and the satisfying chew of bucatini, creates a culinary harmony that’s simply irresistible. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this flavor-packed pasta masterpiece.

Ingredients

For the Steak & Shrimp:

• 1 lb beef sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Calabrian Chili Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Calabrian chili paste (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz bucatini pasta
• Salt for pasta water

How to Make It

1. Prepare the Steak and Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced steak with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, toss the shrimp with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bucatini and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Sear the Steak: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the steak.
5. Start the Sauce: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the Calabrian chili paste and cook for another minute, allowing its flavors to meld.
6. Deglaze and Combine: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer and reduce slightly for about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and beginning to thicken.

7. Finish the Sauce and Pasta: Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth. Add the cooked bucatini to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Add Steak, Shrimp & Fresh Herbs: Gently fold in the seared steak and cooked shrimp into the pasta and sauce. Add the chopped fresh parsley and the lemon juice. Toss everything together gently to combine and warm through, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve: Divide the Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini among four plates. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful spicy kick!

Tips for Success

Adjusting Spice Level

Calabrian chilies can pack a punch! If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of Calabrian chili paste and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away. For extra heat, consider leaving a few of the chili seeds in the paste or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Pasta Perfection

Bucatini is known for its hollow center, which is perfect for trapping sauce. Ensure you cook it exactly to al dente – it will continue to soften slightly when tossed with the hot sauce. Always reserve that crucial pasta water; it’s the secret to achieving a silky, emulsified sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

Serving Suggestions

This rich and flavorful Bucatini dish is quite hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments. A crisp, refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette would provide a lovely contrast to the richness of the pasta. Crusty bread is also a must for soaking up any leftover delicious sauce. For a touch of extra elegance, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving can elevate the dish even further.

Enjoy Your Spicy Creation!

This Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini recipe brings together fantastic textures and bold, spicy, savory flavors. It’s a moderately easy recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results, perfect for date nights, family dinners, or impressing guests. The fiery notes of the Calabrian chilies are balanced by the creaminess of the sauce and the satisfying chew of the bucatini, creating a truly memorable pasta experience. We hope you love this dish as much as we do!