Steak or pasta? Why not both? Imagine slicing into juicy, pan-seared steak dripping with creamy garlic butter sauce, perfectly paired with tender pasta that soaks up all the rich flavors. It’s not just dinner, it’s an indulgent experience. This recipe brings together everything comforting and savory into one pan, making it perfect for date night, special family meals, or even a solo weekend treat.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes for another easy, garlic-rich dinner option.
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Ingredients Breakdown for the Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe
Must-Have Ingredients for the Steak and Sauce
To bring the bold, buttery richness of this dish to life, you’ll need fresh and high-quality ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
| Ribeye or sirloin steak | 1–2 cuts | Juicy, flavorful meat base |
| Garlic (minced) | 5–6 cloves | Core flavor for sauce |
| Butter | 4 tbsp | Fat base for creaminess |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Thickens the garlic sauce |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup grated | Adds savory, cheesy notes |
| Pasta (fettuccine/penne) | 12 oz | Soaks up the garlic butter |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | Steak searing & garlic sautéing |
| Fresh parsley | Garnish | Adds a fresh, herbal balance |
Optional Add-ins:
- Red pepper flakes
- Mushrooms
- Spinach or arugula
Check out our Homemade Chicken Alfredo Recipe if you’re a fan of creamy comfort food.
Selecting the Right Pasta for Creamy Garlic Butter Sauces
The pasta you choose plays a big role in texture and sauce absorption. Here’s how to pick:
- Fettuccine: Flat and wide, perfect for creamy sauces
- Penne: Holds sauce well in the tube
- Linguine: Slightly thinner, works beautifully with lightened versions
Avoid angel hair, it overcooks fast and can’t handle a thick sauce.
How to Make a Creamy Garlic Sauce for Steak and Pasta
Step-by-Step Creamy Garlic Sauce Tutorial
This sauce comes together quickly but packs deep flavor. Here’s the process:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until it becomes aromatic.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid curdling.
- Slowly add Parmesan cheese, whisking to incorporate.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Tips for Balancing Creaminess, Garlic, and Butter
- Roast garlic beforehand for a mellow, sweeter flavor.
- Use unsalted butter to control salt levels.
- Don’t let cream boil, just a gentle simmer.
Don’t miss our Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for another way to master this sauce.
Cooking the Steak to Juicy Perfection
Pan-Searing vs Grilling: Pros and Cons
| Method | Pros | Cons |
| Pan-searing | Develops deep crust with butter | Can smoke if overheated |
| Grilling | Great for smoky flavor | Harder to baste with butter |
For this dish, pan-searing works best. This lets you baste with garlic butter while locking in the meat’s natural juices.
Using Garlic Butter Basting for Extra Richness
During the last few minutes of searing:
- Add a dollop of garlic butter to the pan.
- Slightly tilt the skillet, then spoon the buttery juices over the meat.
- This locks in moisture and adds layers of flavor.
Creating the Pasta Base: Texture, Timing, and Tossing
Cooking Pasta Al Dente for Creamy Recipes
Undercook your pasta by 1–2 minutes, then finish in the garlic sauce for the best bite and flavor. Use salted water, it’s your first chance to season the pasta itself.
Mixing Pasta with Sauce Without Losing Flavor
- Scoop the pasta into the sauce pan with a slotted spoon or tongs, without draining.
- Add ½ cup reserved pasta water to help sauce stick.
- Toss continuously until every strand or bite is coated.
Discover great ideas like our Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne ,which follows a similar technique.
Putting It All Together: Steak, Sauce, and Pasta Assembly
How to Layer Flavors for Depth and Texture
- Slice rested steak thinly across the grain.
- Toss pasta in creamy garlic butter sauce.
- Plate pasta first, lay steak slices on top.
- Drizzle with more sauce and finish with parsley.
Extra Flavor Tip: Finish with a splash of lemon juice or a swirl of balsamic glaze.
Plating Like a Pro: Tips for Visual Appeal
- Use wide, shallow bowls for better sauce pooling.
- Garnish with fresh cracked pepper, shaved Parmesan, and herbs.
- Wipe plate edges for a clean, restaurant-quality presentation.
Variations, Add-ins, and Substitutions
Chicken or Shrimp Instead of Steak?
Absolutely! Here’s how to adapt:
- Chicken breast: Slice thin, sear until golden, and finish in sauce.
- Shrimp: Sauté shrimp in melted butter with garlic for about 3–4 minutes.
Both absorb the sauce beautifully.
Low-Carb and Gluten-Free Pasta Alternatives
- Zucchini noodles (zoodles)
- Chickpea or lentil pasta
- Shirataki noodles for keto fans
Check out our Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a lighter garlic-forward option, and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest.
FAQs about Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe
How to make a creamy garlic sauce for steak?
Sauté minced garlic in butter, add heavy cream and Parmesan, then simmer until thickened. Balance with salt and optional spices.
Does creamy garlic sauce go with steak?
Yes! Creamy garlic sauce enhances the natural umami of steak and adds indulgent texture.
How to make a creamy garlic pasta sauce?
Use garlic, butter, and cream as the base. Thicken with cheese and adjust seasoning to taste.
Can you use garlic butter on pasta?
Definitely. Garlic butter alone or as part of a cream sauce adds rich flavor to any pasta dish.
Conclusion: A Comfort Classic with Gourmet Flair
The Creamy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe is more than just food, it’s an experience. With tender, juicy steak, rich garlicky cream, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish hits all the right notes. It’s indulgent yet simple, comforting yet elegant. Whether you’re impressing guests or feeding your family, this one’s a guaranteed hit.
Creamy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- Pat steaks dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steaks for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Add butter, garlic cloves, and herbs for the last minute. Baste with butter. Remove and let rest.
- In the same pan, lower heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat. Add reserved pasta water gradually until desired creaminess is reached.
- Thinly slice rested steak across the grain. Plate pasta, top with sliced steak, drizzle remaining sauce, and garnish with parsley and Parmesan.
- Serve hot and enjoy your creamy garlic butter steak pasta!
