Introduction
Creamy Steak Pasta is a luxurious and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of perfectly seared steak with a velvety, creamy sauce and tender pasta. This indulgent dish brings together the best of both worlds: the savory, satisfying taste of steak with the smooth, creamy texture of pasta in a rich sauce. It’s a decadent meal that’s perfect for special occasions, date nights, or any time you want to treat yourself to something truly special.
The combination of juicy steak and creamy pasta is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, Creamy Steak Pasta is a dish that anyone can make with ease. This guide will walk you through the steps to make this flavorful meal, offer tips for success, and suggest creative variations for mixing things up.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Steak Pasta
- Rich, Flavorful Steak: The star of this dish is the steak. It’s seared to perfection, creating a flavorful, crispy crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The steak’s savory taste perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
- Creamy, Lush Sauce: The sauce is silky smooth and rich, with a balance of cream, garlic, and a touch of parmesan cheese that gives it depth and complexity. It’s the perfect coat for the pasta, making every bite indulgent and satisfying.
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: The pasta is cooked al dente, providing a nice contrast to the tender steak and creamy sauce. It absorbs the sauce beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Quick and Easy to Make: Despite its rich and luxurious taste, Creamy Steak Pasta is surprisingly easy to prepare. The whole dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner with minimal effort.
- Versatile: This dish can be customized in many ways. You can change the type of steak, pasta, or add vegetables and seasonings to suit your tastes. Whether you want to add mushrooms, spinach, or extra garlic, the possibilities are endless.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 600-700 calories per serving, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 600-700 kcal
- Fat: 35-40g
- Carbohydrates: 50-55g
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Ingredients
For the Creamy Steak Pasta:
- 2 boneless ribeye steaks (about 6 oz each), or your preferred cut of steak
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz fettuccine or your preferred pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a little tang)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (for added flavor and texture)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Steak
Begin by preparing the steaks. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which helps achieve a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the steaks to the skillet. Sear the steaks for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time depending on your desired doneness. For a perfect medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C).
Once the steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate to rest. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into thin strips against the grain.
2. Cook the Pasta
While the steak is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, as it will help adjust the sauce consistency later.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet used to cook the steak, add the butter and melt it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
If you’re using mushrooms, add them to the skillet at this stage and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened and browned. This adds an earthy flavor to the sauce.
Next, add the heavy cream and beef broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard (if using). Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, and the sauce has reached a creamy consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it to coat in the creamy sauce. If necessary, add more reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the pasta is well coated and the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
5. Add the Steak
Slice the rested steaks into thin strips against the grain and add them to the skillet with the pasta. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the steak is evenly distributed throughout the pasta and sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well combined, serve the creamy steak pasta immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Steak Pasta
- Choose the Right Cut of Steak: Ribeye steaks are a great choice for this dish due to their tenderness and rich flavor, but you can also use flank steak, sirloin, or any other cut of steak you prefer. Just be sure to slice the steak thinly against the grain for the best texture.
- Let the Steak Rest: After cooking, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, keeping it juicy and tender.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic makes a big difference in flavor. Avoid using garlic powder and opt for freshly minced garlic for the best taste.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little of the reserved pasta cooking water. Alternatively, if the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken.
- Add Vegetables: If you want to add extra texture and flavor, consider adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes. You can sauté them along with the garlic and mushrooms for a nice depth of flavor.
- Use High-Quality Parmesan: Using freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated will give your sauce a smoother texture and more intense flavor.
Variations of Creamy Steak Pasta
- Creamy Steak Pasta with Garlic Butter Shrimp: For a surf-and-turf twist, you can add garlic butter shrimp to the pasta. Cook the shrimp in a separate pan with butter, garlic, and herbs, and toss them with the steak and pasta for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spicy Steak Pasta: Add a little kick to your creamy steak pasta by incorporating some red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce. This will give the dish a nice balance of heat and creaminess.
- Creamy Steak Pasta with Mushrooms: If you love mushrooms, add more variety by using different types, such as shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms. They add an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the steak.
- Vegetarian Creamy Pasta: For a vegetarian version, skip the steak and use roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes in place of the meat. You can also add tofu or tempeh for protein.
Storage and Shelf Life
Creamy Steak Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for later. To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.
To reheat, gently heat the pasta and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a little extra cream or pasta water to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency. You can also reheat the dish in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as the sauce may separate.
For longer storage, you can freeze Creamy Steak Pasta, but the texture of the sauce may change slightly after freezing and reheating. Freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Side Dishes and Pairings for Creamy Steak Pasta
Creamy Steak Pasta is a rich and hearty dish, so it pairs well with a variety of side dishes:
- Garlic Bread: Serve with a loaf of warm, buttery garlic bread for a classic pairing. The crispy bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover creamy sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich and creamy pasta.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and a tangy dressing is a great accompaniment, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Potatoes: Roasted baby potatoes or mashed potatoes are another great choice. They soak up the creamy sauce and add heartiness to the meal.
Creamy Steak Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Indulge in this creamy, decadent pasta dish with tender steak slices tossed in a rich, velvety sauce. The perfect blend of savory, creamy, and hearty, it’s a comforting meal that pairs beautifully with garlic bread for a complete dinner.
Ingredients
For the Creamy Steak Pasta:
- 2 boneless ribeye steaks (about 6 oz each), or your preferred cut of steak
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz fettuccine or your preferred pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a little tang)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (for added flavor and texture)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Steak
Begin by preparing the steaks. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which helps achieve a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the steaks to the skillet. Sear the steaks for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time depending on your desired doneness. For a perfect medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C).
Once the steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate to rest. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into thin strips against the grain.
2. Cook the Pasta
While the steak is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, as it will help adjust the sauce consistency later.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet used to cook the steak, add the butter and melt it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
If you’re using mushrooms, add them to the skillet at this stage and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened and browned. This adds an earthy flavor to the sauce.
Next, add the heavy cream and beef broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard (if using). Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, and the sauce has reached a creamy consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it to coat in the creamy sauce. If necessary, add more reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the pasta is well coated and the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
5. Add the Steak
Slice the rested steaks into thin strips against the grain and add them to the skillet with the pasta. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the steak is evenly distributed throughout the pasta and sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well combined, serve the creamy steak pasta immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-700 kcal
- Fat: 35-40g
- Carbohydrates: 50-55g
- Protein: 30-35g
Conclusion
Creamy Steak Pasta is a show-stopping dish that combines the best elements of steak and pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a romantic dinner, or a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress. With its tender steak, silky sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a meal that will leave everyone at the table satisfied.
Follow the simple steps, and use the tips and variations to make this dish your own. Whether you keep it classic or experiment with different add-ins, Creamy Steak Pasta is a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the creamy indulgence and the rich, savory flavors of this delightful meal!