Garlic Butter Steak Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy steak bites tossed with al dente pasta in a velvety garlic butter sauce. This easy, restaurant-quality meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet indulgent weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines juicy, seared steak with a creamy garlic butter sauce.
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in under 30 minutes.
- Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Customizable with different pasta shapes and add-ins.
- Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon)
- Pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- Unsalted butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Heavy cream (optional for a richer sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the steak: Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the steak: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic butter sauce. Stir in the reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese to create a silky sauce.
- Add the steak: Return the steak to the pan and toss everything together. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Creamy Version: Add ½ cup of heavy cream for a richer, Alfredo-style sauce.
- Spicy Twist: Increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
- Veggie Additions: Sauté mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes with the garlic butter sauce.
- Different Cheese: Try Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a unique flavor twist.
- Protein Swap: Use grilled chicken or shrimp instead of steak.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the steak chewy.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of steak and pasta can change after freezing.
FAQs
What is the best steak for this pasta?
Ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon work best due to their tenderness and flavor.
Can I use pre-cooked steak?
Yes, but add it at the end to prevent overcooking.
What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne hold the sauce well, but any pasta will work.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Adding reserved pasta water and more Parmesan will create a thicker sauce.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but pre-minced can be used in a pinch.
How do I keep the steak tender?
Avoid overcooking—sear on high heat for just a few minutes per side.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pair well with this dish.
Can I prepare the steak ahead of time?
Yes, cook and store the steak separately, then reheat it briefly before serving.
How can I make this a one-pan meal?
Cook the steak first, set it aside, then make the garlic butter sauce in the same pan before adding cooked pasta.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Pasta is a rich, satisfying meal that combines perfectly seared steak with a silky garlic butter sauce. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, it’s an ideal choice for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive date-night dish. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete, restaurant-quality meal at home
Print
This Garlic Butter Steak Pasta is rich, creamy, and packed with juicy steak bites tossed in a buttery garlic sauce. A perfect quick and satisfying dinner for pasta and steak lovers!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
This Garlic Butter Steak Pasta is rich, creamy, and packed with juicy steak bites tossed in a buttery garlic sauce. A perfect quick and satisfying dinner for pasta and steak lovers!
Instructions
- 12 oz pasta (shells, penne, or fettuccine)
- 1 lb steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Notes
- Use ribeye or sirloin for the best flavor and tenderness.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes.
- Swap out heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.