If you are craving a dish that masterfully combines tender, juicy steak with luscious, velvety pasta, then you are absolutely going to adore this Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and elegance, bringing together the rich flavors of garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese with perfectly cooked pasta and seared steak strips. This recipe delivers an indulgent yet approachable meal that feels special enough for a weekend dinner but comes together quickly enough for a weekday treat. Whether you’re a steak lover or a pasta enthusiast, this dish will win your heart and your appetite in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe, the magic lies in using straightforward, quality ingredients that each bring something essential to the table: texture, flavor, richness, and brightness. Here’s what you’ll gather to make this show-stopping dish.
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta: Choose your favorite shape to soak up the luscious sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to sear the steak beautifully while adding a subtle fruity note.
- 1 pound sirloin steak sliced into thin strips: The star protein, tender and packed with flavor when cooked to perfection.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and silky smoothness to the sauce.
- 6 cloves garlic minced: Essential for that bold, aromatic garlic punch in every bite.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the velvety base of the creamy garlic sauce.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Adds depth and an umami boost to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang and complexity to the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for that irresistible cheesy finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors, balancing the richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and earthiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A little kick for those who love spice.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and color pop to finish off the dish.
How to Make Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your choice of fettuccine or penne pasta until it’s perfectly al dente, which usually means just a minute or two less than the package recommends. This slight firmness will ensure the pasta doesn’t get mushy once mixed with the sauce later. Be sure to save about half a cup of that pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold that will help loosen the sauce if needed.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your thinly sliced sirloin steak strips with a pinch of salt and pepper, then sear them in the hot oil for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want a nice golden crust on the outside while keeping the steak tender and juicy on the inside. Once seared, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside for the sauce step.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. As it melts, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant—just about a minute but don’t let it brown as that might turn it bitter. Now pour in the heavy cream, beef broth, and Dijon mustard, stirring until the sauce is smooth. Simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly before whisking in the Parmesan cheese along with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Steak with Sauce
Return the cooked pasta and seared steak strips to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, so every piece is luxuriously coated in that thick, flavorful sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to get the perfect consistency. Finish by stirring in the chopped fresh parsley, giving a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest garnishes make the biggest impact on this Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley on top adds brightness and a little texture. For some, a tiny drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few twists of cracked black pepper elevate it even more.
Side Dishes
This dish is a hearty main on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread rounds out the meal perfectly. A light Caesar salad or even roasted vegetables like asparagus add a satisfying crunch and balance to the rich and creamy plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls with a delicate sprig of parsley on each. For a rustic touch, offer crusty bread on the side to soak up every bit of that creamy garlic sauce. Pair with a glass of red wine to bring out the steak’s robust flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Because the sauce thickens as it cools, you might want to stir in a splash of milk or cream before reheating to bring back its creamy texture.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers if needed. Use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to avoid overcooking the steak and separating the sauce.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s luscious consistency. Avoid high heat to keep the steak tender and prevent the cream from curdling.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! Sirloin is perfect for its balance of tenderness and flavor, but ribeye or strip steak are great alternatives that will also work beautifully in this creamy pasta dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe?
While the dish traditionally features steak, you can substitute the steak with hearty grilled mushrooms or marinated tofu for a vegetarian twist that still satisfies that creamy, garlicky craving.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Fettuccine and penne are excellent because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce well. You can also use rigatoni, linguine, or any pasta you have on hand that will catch the sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. The sauce will still be rich and delicious!
How can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers can be added during the sauce step. They complement the flavors and add color and nutrients without overpowering the creamy garlic sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe truly embodies comfort food at its finest, blending robust flavors with simple ingredients into a memorable meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s easy enough for a busy night yet special enough to share with friends or family. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite weeknight indulgence!
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Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
A rich and hearty Italian-American steak pasta featuring tender sirloin steak strips tossed in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with fettuccine or penne pasta. Perfect for a comforting dinner that’s packed with flavor and protein.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
Steak
- 1 pound sirloin steak, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 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)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then set pasta aside.
- Cook Steak: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak strips with salt and pepper and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned but still tender. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, beef broth, and Dijon mustard, stirring until smooth. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Whisk the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce along with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.
- Combine Pasta and Steak: Return the cooked pasta and steak strips to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta and steak are evenly coated with the creamy garlic sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Ribeye or strip steak can be used instead of sirloin for a different flavor profile.
- For extra flavor and veggies, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
