Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta. Featuring tender, seared steak bites tossed with shell pasta in a rich, velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce, this dish brings steakhouse flavor straight to your dinner table in under 30 minutes.
Learn how to make restaurant-quality Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta at home. This easy, comforting recipe features juicy steak bites and tender pasta in a rich garlic cream sauce.
- For the Steak and Pasta:
- 12 oz sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 8 oz shell pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season the Steak: Pat the steak bites completely dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. In a bowl, toss the steak cubes with 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
- Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over high heat. Once hot and shimmering, add the steak bites in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Sear for 2 minutes on each side until a nice crust forms and the steak is medium-rare. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set them aside on a clean plate, leaving the flavorful juices behind.
- Build the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Toss in the diced onions and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked shell pasta and the rested steak bites (along with any accumulated juices) directly into the skillet with the garlic cream sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat. If the sauce is too thick, splash in a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
- Pair this rich pasta with a crisp, acidic side salad dressed in a lemon-vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess.
- Serve alongside warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
- Complement the dish with a glass of medium-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce as it thickens in the fridge. Avoid microwaving on high power to prevent the steak from becoming tough and the cream sauce from separating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different cut of meat? Yes, flat iron, strip steak, or filet mignon work wonderfully as alternatives to sirloin or ribeye. Just ensure they are cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Can I substitute heavy cream with milk? While you can use half-and-half, whole milk will result in a much thinner sauce that won’t cling to the pasta as well. If using milk, you may need to add a tablespoon of flour or cream cheese to help thicken it.
- What type of pasta works best? Shells, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are ideal because their ridges and hollow spaces trap the rich garlic butter sauce effectively.
This Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta is the ultimate weeknight luxury, combining succulent pieces of seared beef with a comforting, decadent sauce that will satisfy any craving.
