Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini Recipe is bold, rich and full of flavor. It mixes juicy steak, tender shrimp and spicy pasta.
I love making this Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini Recipe on busy weekends. It feels fancy, but it is easy.
If you enjoy pasta with heat, this Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini Recipe is perfect. The sauce hugs every noodle. Each bite feels special and comforting.
My Favorite Memory With This Recipe
I first made this dish on a rainy evening. I wanted something warm and exciting. I had steak, shrimp and pasta at home. So I tried them together.
The smell filled the kitchen fast. My family came in smiling. Everyone asked for seconds. Since then, this recipe became a favorite dinner in my home.
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Tongs
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Colander
- Wooden spoon
- Serving bowls
Recipe Quick Overview
- Recipe Name: Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian Inspired
- Calories: 620 kcal per serving

Ingredients You Need for Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini
- 12 oz bucatini pasta
- 1 lb steak, sliced thin
- 12 oz shrimp, peeled and cleaned
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Calabrian chili paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup pasta water
- Lemon wedges for serving
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions for Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil salted water in a large pot. Add bucatini pasta. Cook until just tender. Save half cup pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside. Warm pasta works best for sauce later.
2. Season the Steak
Pat the steak dry first. Add salt, pepper and paprika. Heat oil in a skillet. Cook steak slices for two to three minutes. Remove when browned. Do not overcook the steak.
3. Cook the Shrimp
Use the same pan for more flavor. Add shrimp and cook one minute each side. Shrimp should turn pink and firm. Remove from pan and keep warm on a plate.
4. Build the Sauce
Add butter and garlic to the skillet. Stir for one minute. Add Calabrian chili paste. Pour in cream slowly. Stir well. Add Parmesan cheese and let it melt smoothly.
5. Add Pasta
Place cooked bucatini into the sauce. Toss gently with tongs. Add a little pasta water if needed. The sauce should coat every noodle nicely and stay creamy.
6. Finish the Dish
Return steak and shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently for one minute. Sprinkle parsley on top. Serve hot with lemon wedges. Fresh lemon brightens the rich sauce.
Read More: Smothered Pork Chops Recipe
Helpful Tips and Easy Variations
- Use sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak.
- Use chicken if you do not like shrimp.
- Add spinach for more color.
- Add mushrooms for earthy flavor.
- Use half-and-half for lighter sauce.
- Add more chili paste for extra heat.
- Slice steak thin for tender bites.
- Fresh Parmesan melts better than packaged cheese.
Interesting History and Fun Facts About Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini
Calabrian chili comes from Calabria, a region in southern Italy. It is known for spicy food and bold flavors. These chilies are fruity and hot.
Bucatini is a thick pasta with a hole inside. That hole helps sauce move through the noodle. It makes every bite more flavorful.
Steak and shrimp together are often called surf and turf. This recipe gives that idea an Italian pasta twist.
Best Side Dishes and Pairings
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Grilled asparagus
- Tomato salad
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Iced tea
- Light white wine
Best Occasions to Serve
This dish is great for date night. It feels restaurant-style but costs less at home.
Serve it for birthdays, family dinners or weekend meals. It also works well when guests visit. People love steak, shrimp and creamy pasta together.
Best Ways to Store and Warm Up Tips
- Let leftovers cool before storing.
- Keep in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate up to 3 days.
- Add a splash of milk before reheating.
- Warm slowly in a pan.
- Stir often to keep sauce smooth.
- Avoid overheating shrimp.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Protein | 39 g |
| Carbs | 44 g |
| Fat | 31 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 690 mg |
Is It Good or Bad for Your Health?
This meal can be good when eaten in balance. Shrimp gives protein. Steak adds iron and energy. Pasta gives fuel for the body. The cream sauce is rich, so enjoy moderate portions.
Add vegetables to make it better. Use lean steak and lighter cream if needed. Homemade meals are often better than takeout because you control ingredients.

Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz bucatini pasta
- 1 lb steak sliced thin
- 12 oz shrimp peeled and cleaned
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves chopped
- 1 tablespoon Calabrian chili paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup pasta water
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Add bucatini pasta. Cook until just tender. Save half cup pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside. Warm pasta works best for sauce later.
Season the Steak
- Pat the steak dry first. Add salt, pepper and paprika. Heat oil in a skillet. Cook steak slices for two to three minutes. Remove when browned. Do not overcook the steak.
Cook the Shrimp
- Use the same pan for more flavor. Add shrimp and cook one minute each side. Shrimp should turn pink and firm. Remove from pan and keep warm on a plate.
Build the Sauce
- Add butter and garlic to the skillet. Stir for one minute. Add Calabrian chili paste. Pour in cream slowly. Stir well. Add Parmesan cheese and let it melt smoothly.
Add Pasta
- Place cooked bucatini into the sauce. Toss gently with tongs. Add a little pasta water if needed. The sauce should coat every noodle nicely and stay creamy.
Finish the Dish
- Return steak and shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently for one minute. Sprinkle parsley on top. Serve hot with lemon wedges. Fresh lemon brightens the rich sauce.
Notes
- Use sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak.
- Use chicken if you do not like shrimp.
- Add spinach for more color.
- Add mushrooms for earthy flavor.
- Use half-and-half for lighter sauce.
- Add more chili paste for extra heat.
- Slice steak thin for tender bites.
- Fresh Parmesan melts better than packaged cheese.
People Also Ask About Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini
1. How to make Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini at home?
Cook pasta first. Sear steak and shrimp in a skillet. Make a creamy chili sauce. Toss pasta into the sauce. Add steak and shrimp back. Serve hot with parsley.
2. What are the best Ingredients for Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini?
The best ingredients are fresh shrimp, tender steak, bucatini pasta, garlic, cream, Parmesan and Calabrian chili paste. Good ingredients create better taste and texture.
3. Is Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini very spicy?
It has medium heat from Calabrian chili paste. You can use less if needed. Add more cream to soften the spice level easily.
4. Can I make Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, but it tastes best fresh. You can prep steak, shrimp and sauce ingredients early. Cook pasta near serving time for best texture.
5. What pasta can replace bucatini?
Spaghetti, linguine or fettuccine work well. Bucatini is special because sauce goes inside the noodle, but other pasta still tastes great.
My Final Take
This Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini Recipe is bold, creamy and unforgettable. It looks fancy but feels easy. I love how simple ingredients become something special.
Try it once and it may become your new favorite dinner. If you enjoy flavor, comfort and a little heat, make this tonight.

Millie Rose is a passionate home cook and food blogger. She loves creating simple, easy-to-follow recipes for everyday cooking. Her goal is to make home cooking fun, quick and delicious for everyone.












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