This Steak and Shrimp Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce tastes like something you'd order at a steakhouse - but it comes together in one skillet in under an hour! Juicy ribeye, perfectly seared shrimp, and the most luscious creamy garlic parmesan sauce with fresh spinach and a squeeze of lemon. It looks fancy, it tastes incredible, and it's shockingly easy to pull off. No wonder it's one of our most popular recipes! 🤤

close up and delicious shot of a steak and seafood skillet with garlic parmesan cream sauce, fresh parsley, and parmesan flakes.

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This Garlic Parmesan Steak and Shrimp Has 75+ Five-Star Reviews for a Reason ⭐

We've been making this recipe for years, and our readers can't get enough of it. It shows up at anniversary dinners, Valentine's Day tables, holiday meals - basically any time someone wants to impress. The comments are full of people saying they got rave reviews at dinner parties, that their families asked for seconds, and that this is now their go-to special occasion recipe. (We're seriously so honored! 🥹)

The secret is that creamy garlic parmesan sauce. It's rich, luscious, and coats every bite of perfectly seared steak and tender shrimp. Add fresh spinach, a squeeze of lemon, and you've got restaurant-quality surf and turf in one skillet. Everything cooks in the same pan, so cleanup is actually manageable even when you're cooking something this good.

Whether you're planning a special date night or just want to treat yourself on a random Tuesday, this is the recipe. Let's get into it!

Ingredients for this Surf and Turf Skillet 🦐🥩

This recipe keeps it simple with ingredients you probably already have on hand, or can easily grab at the grocery store. Fresh parmesan (not pre-shredded!) is the only non-negotiable for that silky, creamy sauce.

ingredients to make a steak and seafood recipe, with steak, shrimp, parmesan cheese, stock, heavy cream, spinach, salt and pepper, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, lemon, butter, olive oil, parsley, onion, and garlic with text to denote.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp and Steak ✨

Don't let the restaurant vibes intimidate you - this comes together in just a few simple steps, all in one skillet!

ribeye steak on a plate seasoned with salt and pepper.

Step 1: Season your steaks generously with kosher salt and pepper on both sides. We're talking a really good coating here - don't be shy! The salt creates that beautiful crust when it hits the hot skillet.

🥩 What steak should you use? We love ribeye for this because it's so flavorful and tender, but any good steak works! Sirloin, strip steak, filet mignon, or even bavette steak would be delicious. Just pick a cut you enjoy and cook it to your preferred doneness.

🧂 We use Diamond Crystal kosher salt at about 1 teaspoon per pound of steak. If you're using Morton's or table salt, use less - they're saltier by volume!

ribeye steak seared in a cast iron skillet.

Step 2: Once your skillet is smoking hot, add oil and immediately add the steaks. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until you get a gorgeous golden-brown crust. For medium-rare, we pull ours around 130°F internal temp and let it rest.

Transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps all those juices locked in!

💡 Use a meat thermometer! It's the only way to guarantee you don't overcook your steak. Pull it about 5°F below your target temp since it'll keep cooking as it rests.

seasoning shrimp with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika in a bowl.

Step 3: Season your shrimp with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. Give them a good toss to coat everything evenly.

cooking shrimp in a hot cast iron skillet with butter.

Add butter to the skillet to melt, then add the shrimp in a single layer. Don't crowd the pan - work in batches if needed! Sear for about 1-2 minutes per side until they're pink and just cooked through, then set aside with the steak.

🍤 Shrimp cook FAST! As soon as they turn opaque and curl slightly, they're done. Overcooked shrimp get rubbery, so keep a close eye on them.

caramelized onion and garlic in a cast iron skillet with butter.

Step 4: Add the remaining butter to the same skillet along with the diced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and lightly browned - about 5-6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant.

🧄 Don't rush the onions! Letting them cook down until they're soft and golden adds so much depth and sweetness to the sauce.

wilted spinach in a cast iron skillet with onions and garlic.

Step 5: Toss in the chopped spinach with another pinch of salt. Stir it around the pan frequently - it'll wilt down fast!

spinach with broth, garlic, onions, butter, lemon juice and zest, and seasonings.

Once the spinach is wilted, add the lemon zest and broth. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate those flavors.

creamy sauce with spinach and fresh parmesan added with a rubber spatula in the skillet to stir.

Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream, then start adding the Parmesan cheese in small handfuls. Stir constantly and let each handful melt completely before adding more. This is the key to a silky-smooth sauce!

creamy garlic parmesan cream sauce with spinach in a cast iron skillet.

Once all the parmesan is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, stir in the lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasonings - you might want a little more salt, pepper, or lemon!

🧀 Fresh parmesan is a MUST! Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grate it yourself for the best results - your sauce will thank you.

🍋 Add the lemon juice last! The acid can cause the cheese to seize up if you add it too early. Waiting until the end keeps everything silky.

Add the steak and shrimp back to the skillet, nestling them into that gorgeous creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan, then serve immediately!

close up shot of well seasoned shrimp, and juicy medium rare steak bites on a parmesan cream sauce, topped with parsley and parmesan shavings.

✨ This is best served fresh while the sauce is hot and silky. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat gently - just know the steak will cook a bit more each time you reheat.

Perfect Sides for Garlic Parmesan Steak and Shrimp 🥗

This is already a pretty complete meal with the protein and spinach built right in, but a great side dish never hurts! We love serving this with:

Mashed potatoes - Our creamy buttermilk mashed potatoes or indulgent truffle mash are perfect for soaking up all that garlic parmesan sauce.

Roasted vegetables - Some simple roasted carrots and green beans add some color and freshness to the plate.

Simple salad - Keep it light with a fresh arugula spinach salad on the side.

Crusty bread - Honestly, you just need something to mop up every last drop of that creamy sauce!

Want to go all out? If you want to make this meal extra special for date night, Valentine's Day, or the holidays, add some garlic butter lobster tails or baked crab legs to really make it a showstopper surf and turf feast! 🦞

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If you make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Surf and Turf, we'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and rate the recipe. Share with us by tagging us on Instagram! We love seeing your creations!📸

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