If you’re craving a meal that brings the perfect harmony of tender, savory steak and a luscious, garlicky sauce enveloping every strand of pasta, then you have to try this Steak and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe. It’s a comforting yet elegant dish that balances rich flavors and smooth textures, making it an ideal dinner for both busy weeknights and special occasions. The combination of juicy steak strips and a silky Parmesan cream sauce creates an irresistible plate that’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to capturing that perfect taste and texture. Each component in this dish plays a vital role, from the creamy Parmesan that adds depth, to the fresh garlic that gives it a zesty punch, and of course, the steak that brings savory satisfaction.
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta: This wide, flat pasta holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- 1 pound ribeye or sirloin steak, sliced into strips: Choose tender cuts that sear quickly and stay juicy, adding a wonderful meaty texture.
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Fresh garlic delivers an aromatic kick that’s essential for the sauce’s bold flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, silky base of the sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the cream, giving the sauce its signature cheesy tang and smoothness.
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth: Adds a bit of depth and balances the richness of the cream.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance every ingredient without overpowering.
- Olive oil for cooking: Ideal for searing the steak to a beautiful brown crust and enhancing the garlic flavor.
How to Make Steak and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before turning on the stove, mince the garlic finely and slice your choice of ribeye or sirloin steak into thin strips. This prep work makes the cooking process seamless and ensures the flavors meld evenly throughout the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Fettuccine
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the fettuccine pasta until al dente, generally about 10 minutes. Don’t forget to save half a cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s a simple trick that helps you adjust the texture of the sauce later on.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the steak strips until they develop a gorgeous brown crust, usually around 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to enhance that rich meaty flavor from the very start.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Cream
Reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic to the skillet with the steak. Cook for about one minute until fragrant, then carefully pour in the heavy cream. Stir everything together to combine the flavors and start building that dreamy sauce.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and allow the sauce to simmer gently. This slow bubbling thickens the sauce just enough, blending the creamy richness with a subtle savory edge.
Step 6: Incorporate Parmesan Cheese
Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt completely into the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, adjust with the reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency — silky and smooth with just the right cling.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, toss the cooked fettuccine directly into the skillet, mixing it thoroughly with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and tender steak strips. Serve immediately, with optional extra Parmesan sprinkled on top for that glorious finishing touch.
How to Serve Steak and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper immediately lifts the visual appeal and adds a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can also provide an exciting flavor twist.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. The freshness balances the richness of the pasta, making each bite more enjoyable.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, consider plating the pasta in individual bowls topped with thinly sliced steak strips fanned out on top. Add a Parmesan crisp or garlic toast on the side for an elegant and satisfying meal experience your guests won’t forget.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making reheated portions just as delicious — if not better.
Freezing
While the cream sauce makes freezing a bit tricky, you can freeze the cooked steak strips separately. Combine with freshly cooked pasta and sauce when ready to enjoy for best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwave reheating as it can make the cream sauce separate or become grainy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is ideal for holding creamy sauces, penne, linguine, or even spaghetti can work beautifully in this Steak and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe.
What cut of steak is best?
Ribeye and sirloin are excellent choices because they stay tender when sliced thin and cooked quickly. However, flank or skirt steak can also be used if you marinate them well.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use a blend of low-fat milk and Greek yogurt to reduce richness, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as luscious.
Can I prepare any of this in advance?
You can slice the steak and mince the garlic a few hours ahead to speed up cooking, but it’s best to cook the steak and sauce just before serving to retain freshness.
What should I serve with this pasta?
Simple sides like a garlic bread loaf, sautéed greens, or a bright arugula salad complement the hearty flavors perfectly without overwhelming the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Steak and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, comforting, and utterly satisfying. Once you try making it, I’m confident it will become a celebrated staple in your recipe collection. So grab those ingredients, turn up the music, and enjoy the wonderful experience of cooking and savoring this amazing meal with people you love.
Print
Steak and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Steak and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a rich and savory dish that combines tender strips of ribeye or sirloin steak with a luscious creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. It’s a comforting and indulgent meal that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
Steak and Sauce
- 1 pound ribeye or sirloin steak, sliced into strips
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Mince the garlic cloves finely and slice the steak into thin strips, ensuring even pieces for quick cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the fettuccine until al dente, approximately 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and reserve half a cup of the pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Sear Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the steak strips and sear them until browned on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Garlic and Cream: Reduce the heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the steak, and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine the ingredients smoothly.
- Simmer Sauce: Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet and let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and tender steak strips. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan cheese if preferred.
Notes
- Use ribeye for a more tender and flavorful steak, but sirloin works well as an economical alternative.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce without diluting its flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use a lighter cream option.
- For extra flavor, garnish with fresh parsley or cracked black pepper before serving.
