There’s a moment in the kitchen when everything just clicks—the sizzling of garlic meeting hot butter, and the sight of silky, rich sauce coating perfectly cooked pasta. That’s what you can expect with this Steak Pasta recipe, a dish that effortlessly combines comfort with a touch of elegance. Imagine returning home after a long day and whipping up this easy, delicious meal in just 35 minutes.
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I stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when takeout was starting to feel stale and uninspired. The blend of tender steak, creamy sauce, and al dente fettuccine transformed my mealtime from mundane to magical. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress friends or family without spending hours in the kitchen!
With simple ingredients like ribeye steak, fresh Parmesan, and aromatic garlic, this dish is bursting with flavor and sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Let’s dive into how to bring this restaurant-quality Steak Pasta to your home table!
Why You'll Love This Steak Pasta
- This Steak Pasta is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal without the hassle.
- The rich and creamy sauce beautifully complements the tender steak, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Its versatility means you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs to fit your personal taste.
- Not only is it visually appealing with the vibrant colors and textures, but it’s also a real crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Steak Pasta Ingredients
• The key components to an unforgettable dish!
For the Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine – the perfect base to soak up that rich sauce and elevate the dish!
For the Steak
- 8 oz ribeye or sirloin steak – choose ribeye for more marbling, or sirloin for a leaner option, both are delicious!
For the Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream – creates a luxurious, creamy texture that brings the dish together.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – enhances the savory flavor, making the sauce irresistible!
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – adds aromatic freshness to the sauce, elevating the overall taste.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter – for a rich, buttery base that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – infuses a touch of herbal complexity to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste – essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in your Steak Pasta!
How to Make Steak Pasta
Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine, cooking until al dente, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining!
Sear Steak: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Season the thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak with salt and pepper. Sear in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked to your liking.
Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. This step infuses the dish with a delightful aroma!
Create Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently while stirring. The mixture should start to thicken and come together beautifully.
Combine Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet. Mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Plate & Serve: Serve the Steak Pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy the culinary masterpiece you’ve created!
Optional: Add some cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and freshness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Steak Pasta is a fantastic meal prep option for busy weeknights! You can slice the steak and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Additionally, you can prepare the creamy sauce (heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan) in advance, refrigerating it for up to 2 days. To maintain freshness, keep the pasta separate until you’re ready to enjoy it. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce over low heat, cook the pasta until al dente, and toss everything together with a splash of reserved pasta water for that perfect creamy texture. This way, you’ll have a delicious homemade Steak Pasta ready in no time!
What to Serve with Steak Pasta?
Indulge in a delightful culinary experience by complementing your creamy, savory dish with the perfect sides and beverages.
Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery loaf that’s perfect for soaking up that rich sauce, adding a satisfying crunch.
Roasted Asparagus: The earthy flavor and tender-crisp texture of asparagus provide a fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and tangy dressing create a refreshing balance to the rich indulgence of Steak Pasta.
Red Wine: A glass of full-bodied red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs beautifully, enhancing the meal’s flavors and making it feel extravagant.
Creamy Polenta: For a unique twist, serve a bowl of creamy polenta alongside—its smooth, buttery texture complements the dish deliciously.
Tiramisu: End your meal on a sweet note with a classic dessert. The coffee and cocoa flavors of tiramisu will round out your dining experience perfectly.
Pairing these options with your Steak Pasta creates a delicious gastronomic symphony you’ll cherish at any dinner table.
Steak Pasta Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize this dish, transforming it into your own culinary masterpiece!
Vegetable-Packed: Add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for an extra veggie boost, enhancing flavor and nutrition. These additions contribute vibrant colors and textures that make each bite delightful!
Gluten-Free: Swap the linguine or fettuccine for gluten-free pasta alternatives like brown rice or chickpea pasta. You can enjoy the same creamy goodness while accommodating dietary needs!
Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a touch of heat. This variation adds a lovely warmth to the dish, perfect for those who crave excitement in their meals.
Creamy Vegan: Use coconut cream and plant-based steak alternatives like seitan or mushrooms for a vegan twist. This version remains rich and satisfying while being friendly to vegan diets!
Lemon Zest: Brighten up the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some zest. The citrus adds a refreshing layer of flavor that complements the creaminess wonderfully.
Herb Upgrade: Experiment with fresh basil, parsley, or thyme to add aromatic depth. A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs just before serving elevates the entire dish to new heights!
Cheesy Delights: Mix in additional cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier and more decadent sauce. The extra flavors blend beautifully, making the dish extra indulgent!
Pesto Infusion: Stir in a few tablespoons of store-bought or homemade pesto for an herby explosion of taste. This twist transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary, bursting with fresh flavor!
How to Store and Freeze Steak Pasta
Fridge: Store any leftover Steak Pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water to bring back its creamy texture.
Freezer: If you want to freeze your Steak Pasta, portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little reserved pasta water or cream to maintain a smooth sauce consistency.
Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, warm just until heated through to prevent the steak from becoming tough!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly cooked pasta for your Steak Pasta, always follow the package instructions but test it a minute or two early to ensure it’s al dente.
- When searing the steak, remember not to overcrowd the pan; this helps achieve a great sear and keeps the meat juicy.
- For a creamier sauce, incorporate the heavy cream gradually while stirring to ensure it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Lastly, keep an eye on the sauce while simmering; it should gently bubble for 3-5 minutes rather than boil vigorously, which can affect the texture.
Steak Pasta Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best steak for my Steak Pasta?
Absolutely! For your Steak Pasta, I recommend choosing ribeye for its rich marbling and flavor, which adds depth to your dish. Sirloin is a leaner alternative that still provides great taste. Look for steak that’s bright red without any brown spots. A good cut should be well-trimmed and have a little bit of fat for that juicy texture when cooked.
How long can I store leftover Steak Pasta in the fridge?
You can store any leftover Steak Pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water, which will help bring back its creamy sauce to life!
Can I freeze Steak Pasta? How?
Yes, you can freeze Steak Pasta! Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and seal tightly. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat and add a little reserved pasta water or cream to keep the sauce creamy.
What should I do if my pasta sauce is too thick?
Very! If you find your pasta sauce is too thick when mixing it in, don’t worry! Simply add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time while stirring, until it reaches your desired consistency. This additional water not only thins the sauce but also helps it cling to the pasta perfectly.
Is it safe for pets?
While this Steak Pasta is delicious for humans, it’s best not to share with pets. The heavy cream, butter, and seasonings like garlic can be unhealthy or unsafe for dogs and cats. If you want to share the love, make a small plain pasta portion for them without any sauces or seasonings.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries at all! If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and butter (about 3/4 cup milk with 1/4 cup melted butter). This won’t be quite as rich but will work in a pinch for this Steak Pasta recipe. Happy cooking!
Steak Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine, cooking until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Season the steak with salt and pepper and sear in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently while stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet. Mix in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve the Steak Pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
