Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Rich, comforting, and absolutely unforgettable, this Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe brings together juicy strips of steak with al dente pasta, all smothered in a velvety garlic cream sauce. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something special, this dish is the perfect blend of restaurant flair and cozy home-cooked goodness. You’ll fall in love with how the savory steak melds with the lush sauce, making every bite a true celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe lies in its smartly chosen ingredients: each one brings something to the party. From the tenderness of the steak to the richness of cream, every addition helps build layers of flavor and makes the dish shine.
- Pasta (12 ounces fettuccine or penne): Choose your favorite shape – fettuccine for more saucy twirls or penne for delightful bites.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds beautiful depth and helps sear the steak for maximum caramelization.
- Sirloin steak (1 pound, thinly sliced): Lean and flavorful, sirloin cooks quickly and stays tender in the creamy sauce.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Makes the garlic fragrant and rich, building the base for your sauce.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): The star of the sauce, providing that heavenly aroma and pungent kick.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Delivers the signature silkiness and rich mouthfeel.
- Beef broth (1/2 cup): Boosts that savory backbone and gives a subtle meaty depth to the sauce.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Just a hint brings unexpected brightness and zing to the creamy base.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated): Gives the sauce its nutty, salty allure and pulls everything together.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for maximizing flavors – not to be skipped!
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Offers an earthy warmth that rounds out the creaminess.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For just a touch of heat that keeps each forkful interesting.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): The final touch, adding color and a fresh burst to each plate.
How to Make Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing your favorite large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook until just al dente, following the package instructions—this guarantees the perfect texture since the pasta will finish cooking in the luxurious sauce later. Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of that beautifully starchy water; you might need it to bring the silky sauce to its ideal consistency.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
While your pasta is bubbling away, heat olive oil in a roomy skillet over medium-high. Season your steak strips with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Once the oil shimmers, lay the steak down in a single layer. Let each side develop a deep, flavorful crust—about 2 to 3 minutes per side—without overcooking. Remove the steak to a plate and keep it tented; you want every piece juicy and tender when it goes back into the final dish.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the very same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Slide in all that minced garlic and cook just until aromatic—about a minute. The kitchen will smell heavenly! Stir in heavy cream, beef broth, and Dijon mustard, whisking gently so everything melds together. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, just until it starts to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Make It Cheesy
With the sauce gently bubbling, add in the grated Parmesan cheese, remaining salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little zing. Whisk well! The cheese will melt and turn your sauce into pure velvet, rich and ready to cuddle up to your steak and pasta.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Return the cooked pasta and those gorgeous steak strips to the skillet. Toss everything together so each noodle is blanketed in creamy sauce and every piece of steak is coated with flavor. If your sauce needs loosening, a splash or two of the reserved pasta water does wonders. Top with parsley and serve this Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe piping hot, straight from the pan.
How to Serve Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
There’s nothing like a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and brightness, but you can also amp up the wow-factor with extra shavings of Parmesan or even a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch. Sometimes a wedge of lemon is a lovely touch if you enjoy just a hint of citrusy lift with every savory bite.
Side Dishes
Balance the richness of the Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe by serving it alongside a crispy green salad dressed simply, or a platter of blistered asparagus. Garlic bread or warm focaccia is always welcome for scooping up every last drop of silky sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the pasta high on a deep platter and fanning the steak strips over the top for a dramatic table centerpiece. Or intimate gatherings call for individual pasta bowls swirled delightfully, finished with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley just before bringing to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of your Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch just as exciting as dinner!
Freezing
Creamy pastas can lose some of their luster after freezing, but it can be done in a pinch. Let the dish cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to one month. Just know the sauce may separate a little when reheated, but a splash of cream can help bring it back together.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a dash of milk or cream—not just water—to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Stir frequently, and don’t forget to taste for seasoning before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! Ribeye and strip steak both work incredibly well for the Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe. Choose a well-marbled cut for the richest flavor and most tender bite.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the cream?
If you’re looking to keep things dairy-free, try using unsweetened coconut cream or a high-quality oat-based cream substitute. Both bring a silky texture, though the taste will change slightly.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted cherry tomatoes make delightful additions to the sauce, adding color and extra nutrition without stealing the spotlight.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Use a low heat on your stovetop with a splash of cream or milk, stirring often, for a sauce that stays smooth. The microwave works too, but do it in short bursts and stir in between.
Do I have to use penne or fettuccine?
Nope! Any sturdy pasta shape will do—rigatoni, tagliatelle, or even spiral fusilli can hold onto the sauce and bits of steak for maximum enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a decadent, absolutely crowd-pleasing dinner, there’s nothing easier or more satisfying than this Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe. Give it a whirl in your kitchen and share it with the people you love—you’ll be amazed how quickly it becomes a most-requested favorite!
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Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of tender steak strips and al dente pasta coated in a luxurious creamy garlic sauce. This steak pasta dish is a perfect blend of hearty and comforting elements, sure to satisfy your cravings for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Steak:
- 1 pound sirloin steak, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons butter
Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
- Sear the Steak: Season and sear steak strips until browned; set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Cook garlic in butter, then add cream, broth, mustard, and cheese. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Toss pasta and steak in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Ribeye or strip steak can be used as alternatives.
- Enhance with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk or cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 2 cups
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
