Picture this: tender, juicy steak bites seared to perfection, tossed with al dente pasta, all enveloped in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. It’s indulgent, it’s comforting, and trust me, this one’s a game-changer. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight meal or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this dish has got you covered.
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It’s the perfect blend of hearty and elegant, making it feel like something straight out of a fine-dining restaurant—but in reality, it’s incredibly easy to whip up at home. Plus, who doesn’t love the combination of steak and pasta? It’s like they were meant to be together.
Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Steak Pasta
Versatile: Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to wow your guests, this recipe fits every occasion.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, everyday ingredients that pack in restaurant-quality flavor without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: No complicated techniques here! This recipe is foolproof, making it perfect for beginners and pros alike.
Customizable: Play around with seasonings, pasta types, or even switch up the protein for a fun twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: A dish that’s guaranteed to have everyone at the table going back for seconds!
Ingredients in Garlic Butter Steak Pasta
Here’s what makes this dish absolutely irresistible:
Steak: The star of the show! Choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye for the best results.
Pasta: A hearty base that soaks up all that garlicky, buttery goodness. Use fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti—whatever you have on hand!
Garlic: The backbone of the sauce. Freshly minced garlic infuses every bite with bold, aromatic flavor.
Butter: The key to a rich and silky sauce. Don’t skimp on the good stuff!
Parmesan Cheese: A salty, nutty finish that ties everything together beautifully.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the steak to perfection while adding extra depth of flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but highly recommended for a subtle kick of heat.
Fresh Parsley: A pop of color and freshness to balance out the richness.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Pasta
Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces and sear until browned on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Combine Everything: Return the steak to the pan, followed by the pasta. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is fully coated in the garlicky butter sauce.
Finish with Parmesan & Herbs: Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Toss one last time, then serve immediately!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Pasta
Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness beautifully.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover buttery sauce.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or a medley of sautéed greens make great accompaniments.
As a Standalone: This dish is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own—just garnish with a little extra Parmesan for the perfect finishing touch.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Chop and measure ingredients in advance to make cooking even faster.
Spice It Up: Love bold flavors? Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for extra depth.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options to suit your needs.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently to maintain the texture.
Double the Batch: This dish is perfect for meal prep—make extra and enjoy it throughout the week!
FAQ
Q1: Can I use a different cut of steak?
A1: Absolutely! Ribeye, filet mignon, or even flank steak all work beautifully in this recipe.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Prepare everything except for the final toss with Parmesan and parsley. Reheat gently and add the finishing touches just before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: While pasta dishes are best fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw overnight and reheat with a splash of water or broth.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Warm it in a pan over low heat with a bit of butter or olive oil to bring back the flavors.
Q6: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A6: Yes! Any pasta shape will work, but sturdier cuts like penne or rigatoni hold up best.
Q7: How can I make this spicier?
A7: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
Q8: Can I make this dairy-free?
A8: Sure! Swap the butter for olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Q9: What can I add for extra protein?
A9: Try tossing in shrimp, chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms for a delicious twist.
Q10: Can I make this dish in one pot?
A10: Almost! If you cook the pasta first, you can use the same pot to make the sauce and combine everything.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Steak Pasta is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is secretly so easy to make. Whether you’re treating yourself to a gourmet-style dinner at home or impressing your family with minimal effort, this dish is a must-try. Rich, buttery, and packed with flavor—trust me, you’re going to love every bite.
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This sweet and smoky garlic butter steak pasta is a one-skillet meal packed with bold flavors. Tender steak strips are seared to perfection, then tossed with creamy barbecue-infused sauce and pasta for a quick and easy dinner recipe. Whether you’re craving high-protein meals or comforting steak dinners, this dish is a must-try!
Ingredients
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8 oz pasta (your choice)
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1 lb steak, cut into strips
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4 tbsp butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup beef broth
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/4 cup sweet barbecue sauce
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add steak strips, season with salt and pepper, and sear for 2–3 minutes until browned.
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Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add beef broth, heavy cream, and barbecue sauce. Stir and bring to a simmer.
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Mix in the cooked pasta, tossing to coat in the sauce.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
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Use ribeye or sirloin for the best flavor and tenderness.
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Add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra smokiness.
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For a spicier kick, mix in a dash of red pepper flakes.
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Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Way too much butter. The steak steamed. This recipe turned out disgusting.