Are you searching for a meal that perfectly balances elegance with comforting, hearty flavors? If so, then look no further. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta With Steak Recipe is the ultimate dinner solution, seamlessly blending tender, juicy steak with a rich, velvety pasta sauce. Consequently, it’s a dish that feels special enough for a date night or celebration, yet it is simple enough for a satisfying weeknight meal. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to create this restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Ultimately, you will discover just how easy it is to bring these incredible flavors to your dinner table.
Why This Recipe Is an Absolute Must-Try
There are countless reasons why this particular pasta dish will quickly become a favorite in your household. First and foremost, the flavor combination is simply divine. The savory, seared steak provides a wonderful contrast to the luxuriously creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Furthermore, the sauce clings perfectly to every strand of pasta, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. In addition to its taste, this recipe is remarkably versatile. For instance, you can easily adjust the spice level or add in your favorite vegetables to make it your own. Another key point is that it presents beautifully, making you look like a culinary expert with minimal effort. This impressive meal is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta With Steak Recipe: The 12 Ultimate Steps for a Perfect Dinner
A rich and elegant pasta dish featuring tender seared steak served over creamy garlic Parmesan pasta—perfect for special occasions or a hearty weeknight dinner.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 to 1.5 lbs sirloin, New York strip, or ribeye steak (1-inch thick)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
12 oz fettuccine, linguine, or penne pasta
Salt for boiling water
4 tbsp unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken or beef broth
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Pat steak dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak 3–5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Rest for 10 minutes.
3. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter.
5. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
7. Slowly whisk in broth, then add heavy cream. Simmer 3–5 minutes to thicken.
8. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
9. Season sauce with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
10. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
11. Slice steak against the grain into thin strips.
12. Serve pasta topped with steak slices and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Let steak rest after cooking to keep it juicy.
Don’t overcook the garlic—it should be fragrant, not browned.
Add veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrients.
Substitute grilled chicken or shrimp for the steak if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Essential Ingredients for Your Pasta Masterpiece
To begin your culinary journey, you will need to gather a few key ingredients. While the list might seem extensive at first, each component plays a crucial role in building the deep, complex flavors of the final dish. Therefore, for the best results, we recommend using fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible.
For the Perfect Steak
- 1 to 1.5 lbs sirloin, New York strip, or ribeye steak (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine, linguine, or penne pasta
- Salt for boiling water
For the Luscious Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta With Steak Recipe
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it is time to start cooking. Following these steps carefully will guarantee a delicious outcome. Moreover, remember to read through all the instructions before you begin to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Steak
First, pat the steak dry with paper towels; this is essential for getting a perfect sear. Next, in a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Then, rub this seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the steak. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before cooking, as this helps it cook more evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Steak to Perfection
In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the steak in the pan. Sear for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness and your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F. For more information on the health benefits of meat, Healthline offers a detailed overview. After cooking, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender, flavorful steak.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the steak is resting, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until it is al dente. Just before draining, be sure to reserve about one cup of the starchy pasta water. This water is liquid gold and will help thicken the sauce later. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 4: Start the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet you cooked the steak in, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Subsequently, sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic, and whisk continuously for one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. This mixture, known as a roux, will thicken your sauce.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Slowly pour in the chicken or beef broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. After that, gradually pour in the heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the sauce is smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. You should notice the sauce begin to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Remove the skillet from the heat. This is an important step to prevent the cheese from becoming grainy. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it has completely melted into the sauce. Then, season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips. You can serve the pasta in individual bowls, topped with several slices of the juicy steak. To finish, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Your delicious creamy garlic parmesan pasta with steak is now ready to be enjoyed.
Pro Tips for Flawless Results
To elevate your dish from great to absolutely unforgettable, here are a few expert tips. Firstly, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The pre-shredded kind often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce. Secondly, do not overcrowd the pan when searing the steak. If necessary, cook the steak in batches to ensure a beautiful, brown crust. Lastly, taste and adjust the seasoning of your sauce before adding the pasta. It is much easier to season the sauce on its own. For another cheesy and meaty dish, check out this amazing Philly Cheesesteak Recipe.
Fun Variations and Easy Substitutions
One of the best things about this creamy garlic parmesan pasta with steak recipe is its adaptability. For instance, feel free to toss in some sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or wilted spinach for added nutrients and flavor. If you’re not a fan of steak, this dish works wonderfully with grilled chicken or seared shrimp. For those who prefer a different flavor profile, a similar garlic parmesan sauce is used in this Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. You can also experiment with different types of pasta; short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the rich sauce just as well as long strands of fettuccine. According to WebMD, pasta can be a part of a healthy diet, especially when paired with lean proteins and vegetables.
Conclusion About Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta With Steak
In summary, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta With Steak Recipe is a true showstopper that delivers on both flavor and presentation. By following these detailed steps, you can confidently create a meal that tastes like it came from a high-end Italian restaurant. The combination of perfectly cooked steak and a decadent, cheesy pasta sauce is a match made in heaven. Ultimately, this recipe provides a fantastic way to treat yourself and your loved ones to a memorable dinner. Therefore, do not hesitate to add this incredible dish to your cooking repertoire for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta With Steak
What is the best cut of steak to use for this recipe?
For this dish, you want a steak that is both flavorful and tender. Sirloin is a great budget-friendly option that is still lean and delicious. Alternatively, New York strip or ribeye offer more marbling, which translates to a richer flavor and more tender texture. The key is to choose a cut that is about 1 to 1.5 inches thick for even cooking.
Can I make this creamy pasta dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can certainly do some prep work in advance. For example, you can cook the steak ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The sauce can also be made a day in advance and gently reheated on the stove. However, it’s best to cook the pasta just before serving to avoid it becoming mushy.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, it’s best to use a skillet over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to the pasta to loosen up the sauce as it reheats, since cream-based sauces can thicken considerably when chilled.
Can I use a different kind of cheese in the sauce?
Absolutely. While Parmesan is classic for its nutty and salty flavor, you could certainly experiment with other hard, aged cheeses. For instance, Pecorino Romano would add a sharper, saltier kick. A blend of Parmesan and Asiago could also be delicious. The most important thing is to use a good quality cheese that melts well.
