Creamy Steak Pasta Recipe

When you combine juicy, tender steak with a rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, you get a comforting and indulgent dish that’s hard to beat. Creamy Steak Pasta is a dish that takes the best of both worlds—tender, flavorful steak and the satisfying, comforting qualities of pasta—and blends them together in one incredible meal. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner, special occasion, or a cozy night in when you want something hearty and delicious.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Creamy Steak Pasta. From the type of steak to use, the creamy sauce that makes this dish stand out, to tips for cooking pasta and steak perfectly, we’ll cover it all.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the detailed process of making this indulgent Creamy Steak Pasta.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta:
   • Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of salt to the water (this helps season the pasta).
   • Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente (firm to the bite).
   • Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water to help thin the sauce if needed. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak

1. Season the Steak:

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   • Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel to ensure they sear properly.
   • Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2. Sear the Steak:

   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow it to get hot (it should shimmer).
   • Add the steaks to the pan and sear them for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on your desired level of doneness (for medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C)).
   • After searing, add 1 tablespoon of butter, garlic, and fresh thyme to the pan. Baste the steaks with the melted butter and cook for an additional minute for added flavor.
   • Remove the steaks from the pan and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute within the steak.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic:

   • In the same skillet that you used to cook the steak, reduce the heat to medium.
   • Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan (or more butter if preferred), and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

2. Add the Broth:

   • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan and pick up any flavorful brown bits from the steak. Bring the broth to a simmer.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

   • Add the heavy cream to the pan and stir. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the cream starts to thicken.
   • Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken up and become creamy. If the sauce gets too thick, you can thin it with some reserved pasta water.
   • Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Steak

1. Toss the Pasta:

   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it with the sauce, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to help thin it out and make it creamy.

2. Slice the Steak:

   • While the pasta is being tossed in the sauce, slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips.

3. Add the Steak to the Pasta:

   • Gently toss the sliced steak into the pasta, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish:

   • Once everything is combined, garnish the creamy steak pasta with fresh parsley for color and freshness. You can also add extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for added richness.

2. Serve:

   • Serve the creamy steak pasta immediately while it’s still hot and the sauce is silky smooth.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Steak Pasta

1. Choosing the Right Steak:

   • Choose a steak with good marbling (fat distribution) such as Ribeye or New York Strip for a juicy, flavorful cut. Sirloin can be a leaner option but still works well in this dish.

2. Rest the Steak:

   • Always let the steak rest after cooking. This helps to lock in the juices, making the steak more tender and flavorful when you slice it.

3. Control the Sauce Thickness:

   • If the creamy sauce becomes too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. The starch in the water will also help the sauce cling to the pasta better.

4. Use Fresh Garlic:

   • Fresh garlic makes a big difference in flavor. Avoid using pre-minced garlic, as it tends to lose its flavor quickly.

5. Don’t Overcook the Pasta:

   • Pasta should always be cooked al dente (firm to the bite), as it will continue to cook when tossed in the hot sauce. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.

6. Make it Spicy:

   • If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce.

7. Double the Sauce:

   • If you love extra creamy pasta, feel free to double the sauce ingredients. This will give you more sauce to coat the pasta and steak generously.

Variations and Customizations

1. Add Vegetables:

   • Add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the creamy sauce for extra flavor and texture. You can sauté them along with the garlic in Step 3 for added richness.

2. Use Different Cheeses:

   • While Parmesan is classic in creamy pasta dishes, you can experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Gouda, or even a bit of blue cheese for a different flavor profile.

3. Make it Lighter:

   • For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or use a combination of low-fat cream cheese and milk. Keep in mind that the texture and richness will change slightly.

4. Use Different Pasta:

   • While fettuccine and linguine are popular choices, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, rigatoni, or tagliatelle are all great alternatives that hold the sauce well.

5. Add Bacon or Prosciutto:

   • For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding crumbled bacon or thin slices of prosciutto to the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Steak Pasta is a perfect balance of tender steak, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. The rich, velvety sauce elevates the steak and pasta, making each bite a comforting, indulgent experience. Whether you’re preparing it for a romantic dinner or a family meal, this recipe will impress everyone at the table.

With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Creamy Steak Pasta Recipe

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When you combine juicy, tender steak with a rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, you get a comforting and indulgent dish that’s hard to beat. Creamy Steak Pasta is a dish that takes the best of both worlds—tender, flavorful steak and the satisfying, comforting qualities of pasta—and blends them together in one incredible meal. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner, special occasion, or a cozy night in when you want something hearty and delicious.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 boneless ribeye steaks (or sirloin), about 6 oz each
• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later.
   
2. Cook the Steaks: Season the steaks with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steaks and cook to your preferred doneness (about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare). Once done, remove from the pan and let rest for a few minutes. Slice the steaks against the grain into thin strips.
   
3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the beef broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it reduce for about 2-3 minutes.
   
4. Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the heavy cream to the pan and stir until well combined. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
   
5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
   
6. Add Steak: Stir in the sliced steak and heat everything through for 2-3 minutes.
   
7. Serve: Plate the creamy steak pasta, garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (optional), and serve immediately.

Notes

• Steak Choices: You can use other cuts of steak like flank, skirt, or sirloin depending on your preference and budget.
• Creaminess Level: For extra creaminess, you can add a little more heavy cream or a splash of milk.
• Pasta Options: You can use gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
• Heat Option: Add red pepper flakes for a little heat or drizzle with a bit of hot sauce if you like spicy food.