Elevate your next dinner with this stunning Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Juicy, seared steak and tender, buttery shrimp are paired together on one plate, then drizzled with a rich, garlicky cream sauce that ties everything together. Whether for date night, a special celebration, or when you want to treat yourself at home, this luxurious dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Restaurant-Worthy – Impressive enough for special occasions, easy enough for home cooks.
Rich and Flavorful – Steak, shrimp, and creamy garlic sauce in perfect harmony.
Quick Cooking – Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Customizable – Choose your favorite steak cut or swap the shrimp for scallops or lobster.
Perfectly Balanced – Savory, creamy, and satisfying in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Steak:
- 2 ribeye or filet mignon steaks (about 8 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Shrimp:
- ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth or beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Optional for Serving:
- Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or steamed asparagus
- Lemon wedges
- Crusty bread for sauce dipping
Tools You’ll Need
- Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
- Small saucepan
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Steaks
- Bring steaks to room temperature and pat dry with paper towels.
- Season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear steaks for 3–4 minutes per side (for medium-rare), flipping once. Adjust time for preferred doneness.
- Transfer to a plate and let rest under foil.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Toss shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil or butter and cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until opaque and pink.
- Remove shrimp and set aside with the steak.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Let simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Plate steak and top with shrimp.
- Spoon creamy garlic sauce generously over both.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with your favorite sides.
Tips for Perfect Surf and Turf
Use High-Quality Steak – Ribeye or filet mignon ensures tenderness and flavor.
Don’t Overcook – Use a meat thermometer (130°F for medium-rare).
Dry Shrimp Well – Helps get a quick sear and avoid excess moisture.
Grate Cheese Fresh – Parmesan melts better and blends smoothly in sauce.
Let Steak Rest – Keeps juices in and ensures a moist bite.
Serving Suggestions
With Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes absorb the garlic sauce beautifully.
Over Pasta – Turn it into a rich surf and turf Alfredo.
With Grilled Veggies – A fresh, smoky contrast to the creamy richness.
With Rice Pilaf – Lightly seasoned rice soaks up every drop of sauce.
In a Surf & Turf Bowl – Slice steak and shrimp over quinoa or greens for a modern twist.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
- Refrigerate: Store steak, shrimp, and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Not recommended for shrimp or cream sauce, as texture may change.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat steak and shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, covered, with a splash of broth or cream.
- Sauce: Reheat in a small saucepan over low heat, whisking to restore smooth texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Try scallops, lobster tail, or chicken breast instead of shrimp or steak.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes. Make and refrigerate the sauce up to 2 days in advance. Reheat gently and whisk before serving.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and cheese, though flavor will vary.
4. What if I don’t have a cast iron pan?
Any heavy-bottomed skillet will work. Just ensure it holds heat well for searing.
5. Can I grill the steak and shrimp?
Absolutely. Grill over medium-high heat and prepare the sauce on the stovetop.
Final Thoughts
Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce is an indulgent, flavor-packed meal that brings steakhouse luxury right to your kitchen. With juicy steak, tender shrimp, and that unforgettable garlic Parmesan sauce, it’s a dish that impresses without stress. Serve it for anniversaries, special occasions, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.
Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your Surf and Turf masterpiece.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American Steakhouse
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 590 | Protein: 43g | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 44g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 430mg

Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
Elevate your next dinner with this stunning Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Juicy, seared steak and tender, buttery shrimp are paired together on one plate, then drizzled with a rich, garlicky cream sauce that ties everything together. Whether for date night, a special celebration, or when you want to treat yourself at home, this luxurious dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
-
2 ribeye or filet mignon steaks (about 8 oz each)
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Shrimp:
-
½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
-
½ tsp paprika
-
½ tsp garlic powder
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
-
1 tbsp butter
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
½ cup chicken broth or beef broth
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
½ tsp Italian seasoning
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Chopped parsley, for garnish
Optional for Serving:
-
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or steamed asparagus
-
Lemon wedges
-
Crusty bread for sauce dipping
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Steaks
-
Bring steaks to room temperature and pat dry with paper towels.
-
Season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
-
Heat olive oil and butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
-
Sear steaks for 3–4 minutes per side (for medium-rare), flipping once. Adjust time for preferred doneness.
-
Transfer to a plate and let rest under foil.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
-
Toss shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
-
In the same skillet, add olive oil or butter and cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until opaque and pink.
-
Remove shrimp and set aside with the steak.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
-
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
-
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Pour in broth and bring to a simmer.
-
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
-
Let simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
-
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
-
Plate steak and top with shrimp.
-
Spoon creamy garlic sauce generously over both.
-
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
Use High-Quality Steak – Ribeye or filet mignon ensures tenderness and flavor.
Don’t Overcook – Use a meat thermometer (130°F for medium-rare).
Dry Shrimp Well – Helps get a quick sear and avoid excess moisture.
Grate Cheese Fresh – Parmesan melts better and blends smoothly in sauce.
Let Steak Rest – Keeps juices in and ensures a moist bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American Steakhouse