Creamy Steak Pasta Recipe

Welcome to a truly comforting and incredibly flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week! This rich steak pasta recipe combines tender, juicy steak with a luscious, creamy garlic sauce. Infused with aromatic herbs, it delivers a gourmet experience right in your kitchen. Best of all, it comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave something special without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Steak Pasta Recipe

This steak pasta recipe is a surefire winner for many reasons, quickly becoming a family favorite.

• Delicious and Satisfying: The combination of perfectly cooked steak, rich sauce, and al dente pasta is simply irresistible.
• Easy to Master: Even beginner cooks can achieve impressive results with our clear, step-by-step guide.
• Feels Gourmet: Despite its simplicity, this dish tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s an excellent choice for family dinners, date nights, or entertaining friends.
• Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite vegetables or different types of protein for endless variations.

Ingredients

To create this delightful creamy steak pasta, gather these simple yet impactful ingredients:

For the Steak:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 rump steaks (about 1 lb / 450 g total)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 sprig rosemary

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 8 oz (250 g) pasta (such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• A handful of fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Notes & Substitutions

Choosing the right ingredients elevates this steak pasta recipe. For the steak, rump, flank, or sirloin cuts work beautifully, offering great flavor and tenderness when seared correctly. Feel free to use your preferred pasta shape; fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni all hold the creamy sauce wonderfully. Fresh herbs like rosemary are key, but you can also use thyme or a blend of Italian herbs. Instead of just Parmesan, consider a mix of Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a different cheesy depth in your creamy steak pasta.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to prepare this delicious steak pasta recipe.

• A large skillet or frying pan (cast iron works best for searing steak)
• A large pot for cooking pasta
• Tongs for handling steak
• A sharp knife for slicing steak
• A cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A whisk for the sauce
• Colander for draining pasta

Instructions

Follow these clear steps to prepare your fantastic creamy steak pasta. This easy steak pasta recipe comes together in under 30 minutes!

First, season your rump steaks generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke. Carefully add the seasoned steaks to the hot pan. Sear them for 3-4 minutes per side until a beautiful brown crust forms.

Next, reduce the heat slightly. Add the butter, chopped garlic, and rosemary sprig to the pan with the steaks. Spoon the melted butter mixture over the steaks continuously. Cook until they reach your desired doneness (medium-rare is recommended for tenderness). Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. This step is crucial for juicy results.

While the steak rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until it is al dente. Before draining, remember to reserve 1-2 cups of the starchy pasta water. This liquid is your secret weapon for the perfect sauce consistency.

Now, prepare the creamy sauce. You can use the same skillet where you cooked the steak (no need to clean it, the fond adds flavor!) or a separate one if preferred. Melt another tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the Italian seasoning, then pour in the low-sodium chicken stock.

Let the stock simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly. Then, stir in the heavy cream and continue to simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce begins to thicken to your liking.

Finally, add the cooked pasta to the pan with the creamy sauce. Incorporate the thinly sliced steak. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If the pasta looks too dry, gradually add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you achieve a luscious, creamy consistency. Finish by stirring in the fresh chopped parsley. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve this incredible steak pasta recipe immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if you desire.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect creamy steak pasta is simple with a few key techniques. Always preheat your skillet thoroughly before adding the steak; a high-heat sear locks in juices and creates a delicious crust. Resting the steak after cooking is non-negotiable – it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is tender and moist. When slicing, always cut against the grain to break up tough fibers, making the steak incredibly tender.

Understanding the science behind cooking reveals that the starch released from pasta plays a crucial role in creating a smooth, emulsified sauce. Utilize the starchy pasta water; it’s essential for emulsifying the sauce and achieving a silky, smooth consistency. If your sauce is too thick, simply whisk in more reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time. If it turns out too thin, simmer it gently for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken, or stir in a tiny bit more grated Parmesan.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

This creamy steak pasta recipe makes a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast. Crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious creamy sauce. Garnish your serving plates with extra fresh parsley and a dusting of Parmesan for an elegant finish.

Storage

For optimal food safety and quality, it’s important to follow proper guidelines when storing cooked pasta dishes. Store any leftover steak pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm portions in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to restore moisture and creaminess. Microwave heating is also an option, but do so in short bursts and stir frequently. Freezing this dish is not recommended, as the creamy sauce can separate, and the pasta texture may become mushy upon thawing.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this versatile steak and pasta dish! If you don’t have steak, use chicken breast or shrimp for a different protein. Boost the vegetable content by adding sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, or thinly sliced bell peppers to the sauce. For a flavor twist, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, a spoonful of sun-dried tomato paste for tanginess, or a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of complexity.

Nutrition Information

This estimated nutrition information for one serving of creamy steak pasta provides a general guideline. Exact values will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQ

What is the best type of steak for pasta?
Rump, flank, or sirloin steaks are excellent choices. They cook quickly and offer great flavor when seared properly.

How can I prevent my steak from becoming tough?
Sear it quickly at high heat, avoid overcooking it, and always let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Cutting against the grain is also key.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the steak and chop the ingredients in advance. However, for the best taste and texture, assemble the creamy steak pasta just before serving.

What if my sauce is too thick/thin?
If too thick, thin it with reserved pasta water. If too thin, simmer it longer to reduce, or stir in a bit more grated Parmesan.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
While delicious fresh, the creamy sauce and pasta texture are best enjoyed immediately. It stores and reheats moderately well for up to two days.

Conclusion

You now have the perfect recipe for a truly irresistible and satisfying meal. This creamy steak pasta recipe perfectly blends succulent steak, a rich garlic cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, making it a standout dish. It’s remarkably easy to prepare, proving that gourmet flavors are achievable for every home cook, even on the busiest of schedules. We encourage you to try this amazing beef and pasta dish; your taste buds will thank you! Enjoy creating and savoring every forkful of this delightful creation.