If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug and tastes like something out of your favorite Italian restaurant, this Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, perfectly seared steak slices mingle with tender pasta envelopes soaked in a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s rich, creamy, and sprinkled with savory Parmesan and herbs. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish delivers comfort and elegance without any complicated fuss. Let me walk you through everything so you can get ready to impress your taste buds and anyone you’re sharing with!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden board with several cooking ingredients arranged neatly. In the center, there are dark red cubes of raw meat, surrounded by dry yellow pasta spirals placed both loose and inside small clear glass bowls. Three white garlic bulbs are visible, one whole, one with some cloves showing, and a small white solid block, likely butter, is placed at the top left. Two small clear glass bowls hold different powders, one lighter and one darker, probably cheese and spices. The scene is lit warmly, creating soft shadows, all set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might be simple, but each one plays a starring role in making this dish unforgettable. From the bold, savory steak to the creamy butter sauce, every element brings a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.

1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak: Choose ribeye for rich marbling or sirloin for leaner meat, sliced thinly against the grain for tenderness.
1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning the steak and pasta water, enhancing all flavors.
½ tsp black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the steak seasoning.
½ tsp paprika: Brings a mild smoky flavor and a lovely color to the steak crust.
1 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for a hot sear that locks in steak juices.
12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine): Your vehicle for the sauce, pick any shape that holds the creamy coat well.
Salt (for pasta water): Don’t skip this—well-seasoned water means flavorful pasta.
4 tbsp unsalted butter: The heart of the sauce, bringing richness and a velvety texture.
6 cloves garlic, minced: Provides that irresistible aroma and punch of garlicky goodness.
½ cup beef broth: Adds savory depth and balances the creaminess.
½ cup heavy cream: The key to a luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to pasta and steak.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated ensures the smoothest melt and that signature nutty flavor.
½ tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lifts all flavors harmoniously.
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick if you like a hint of heat.
½ cup reserved pasta water: Use as needed to loosen sauce and help it stick perfectly.
Fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and freshness at the end.
Extra Parmesan (optional): Because more cheese is always a good idea.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, save half a cup of the starchy pasta water—this will be your secret weapon to perfect sauce consistency later. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the steak and sauce.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak

Pat the steak slices dry, then generously season them on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak slices in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until beautifully browned and flavorful. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to rest—this helps retain all those juicy juices.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet with all those savory browned bits. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer gently for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 4: Enrich the Sauce

Stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you are using them. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly. This is where the magic happens, as the sauce turns rich, creamy, and perfectly luscious.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Steak

Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce and toss to coat each strand or piece. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually stir in your reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the ideal consistency that clings to the pasta lovingly. Return the seared steak slices to the skillet and gently toss everything together to marry the flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe

The dish shows a large white plate filled with two main parts: on the left side, there are short tube-shaped pasta pieces coated in a creamy light brown sauce, sprinkled with green herbs, giving a smooth and slightly shiny texture; on the right side, there are bite-sized dark brown cubes of cooked meat with a slightly crispy surface, also topped with small green herb bits. The pasta and meat are placed close but separate, highlighting the contrast between the soft pasta and the firm meat. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing touches can take this dish from great to unforgettable. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds bright color and a fresh note that contrasts perfectly with the rich sauce. Don’t forget an extra grating of Parmesan cheese on top—for that final layer of cheesy indulgence.

Side Dishes

This pasta is wonderfully hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables makes the meal feel complete and balanced. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty loaf also works beautifully to scoop up any remaining sauce left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner or entertaining guests, serve the pasta in neat nests on each plate topped with a few steak slices fanned on top. Garnish with parsley and a Parmesan snow shower, and consider adding a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few roasted cherry tomatoes to brighten the presentation and taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of this incredible Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors will mellow beautifully, but consume within 3 days for the best texture and taste.

Freezing

While freezing this pasta is possible, it’s best enjoyed fresh. Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, so if you must freeze the leftovers, do so in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

To gently reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and revive that creamy texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent the steak from becoming tough or the sauce from breaking.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While ribeye and sirloin are recommended for their balance of flavor and tenderness, other cuts like flank or strip steak can work if sliced thinly and cooked quickly to avoid toughness.

What type of pasta works best?

Long pasta like fettuccine or linguine is ideal because it holds the creamy garlic butter sauce beautifully, but penne or rigatoni are delicious too, especially if you love a bit of sauce caught inside the shapes.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe is mild by default, but the optional red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. You can adjust it according to your spice preference or omit the flakes altogether for a gentler flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and steak are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe easy to adapt.

How do I get the steak tender and juicy?

Key tips are slicing the steak against the grain and searing it quickly over medium-high heat to lock in juices. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning and let the steak rest briefly before tossing with the pasta to keep it juicy.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe truly strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and ease. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a celebration in every bite yet comes together quickly enough to be your new favorite weeknight hero. So grab that steak, pasta, and garlic butter, and treat yourself to a rich, comforting meal that’s sure to become a regular on your table!