Nothing beats the comfort of a warm, satisfying bowl of steak pasta after a long day. This recipe brings together tender pieces of perfectly seasoned beef with al dente pasta in a rich, creamy sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're cooking for your family or impressing dinner guests, this steak pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your own kitchen.
What makes this steak pasta recipe special is how quickly it comes together without sacrificing any flavor. In just 15 minutes, you'll have a complete meal that's both hearty and satisfying. The best part? This steak pasta uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it perfect for those busy weeknight dinners when you need something delicious and fast.
Why This Steak Pasta Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite
This steak pasta stands out because it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. Unlike complicated recipes that require hours of preparation, this dish proves that great flavor doesn't need to be complicated. The secret lies in the technique; searing the steak at high heat creates a beautiful crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
The creamy garlic sauce that coats every strand of pasta is what makes this steak pasta truly special. It's rich enough to feel indulgent but light enough that you won't feel weighed down. Plus, the recipe is incredibly versatile; you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or switch up the pasta shape to keep things interesting. This steak pasta has become a go-to recipe for busy families because it's both kid-friendly and sophisticated enough for adult palates.
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Ingredients
For the Steak:
- Sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Italian seasoning
For the Pasta:
- Fettuccine or penne pasta
- Salt (for pasta water)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Steak
- Season the steak pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
- Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Cook steak pieces for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown
- Remove steak and set aside
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil
- Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente
- Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining
- Drain pasta and set aside
Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Pour in heavy cream and white wine, bring to a gentle simmer
- Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
Combine Everything
- Add cooked pasta to the creamy sauce
- Toss to coat, adding pasta water if needed
- Return steak to the skillet
- Add spinach and toss until wilted
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately
- Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Brown steak pieces in hot skillet until golden and set aside.
- Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water and drain, reserving water.
- Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Simmer cream, garlic, and cheese into a smooth sauce.
- Step 4: Combine Everything
Toss pasta, steak, and spinach into sauce and serve.
Expert Cooking Tips
Perfect Steak Texture
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking steak pieces
- Let the steak rest at room temperature before cooking
- Use a meat thermometer for consistent results
Pasta Perfection
- Save pasta water; it helps bind the sauce to the pasta
- Cook pasta 1 minute less than package directions for perfect al dente texture
- This steak pasta works best with shapes that hold sauce well
Sauce Success
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce
- Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent curdling
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Protein Alternatives
- Use chicken breast instead of steak for a lighter option
- Try shrimp for a seafood twist on this steak pasta
- Ground beef works well for a more budget-friendly version
Vegetable Additions
- Add mushrooms for extra umami flavor
- Bell peppers and onions create a fajita-style variation
- Broccoli adds color and nutrition
Dietary Modifications
- Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version
- Substitute zucchini noodles for a low-carb option
- Gluten-free pasta works perfectly in this recipe
Equipment Recommendations
Essential Tools
- Large skillet or sauté pan for cooking the steak and sauce
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Sharp knife for cutting steak into even pieces
- Wooden spoon for stirring the steak pasta
Nice-to-Have Equipment
- Meat thermometer for perfectly cooked steak
- Pasta fork for easy serving
- Cheese grater for fresh Parmesan
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerate leftover steak pasta for up to 3 days
- Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream
Meal Prep Ideas
- Cook steak ahead and store separately
- Prepare sauce base in advance
- This steak pasta freezes well for up to 2 months
Reheating Tips
- Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating
- Heat slowly over low heat to prevent sauce from breaking
- Fresh herbs brighten up reheated portions
The Secret That Changed Everything
Here's the game-changing secret that makes this steak pasta absolutely incredible: the pasta water is your best friend. Most people drain their pasta and forget about that starchy, salty water, but it's liquid gold for creating the perfect sauce consistency. When you add just a little bit of pasta water to your cream sauce, it helps everything bind together beautifully and creates that silky, restaurant-quality texture.
The second secret is all about timing and temperature. Never add the steak back to the skillet when the heat is too high, or it will overcook and become tough. Instead, turn the heat to low, add your steak pasta components gently, and let everything warm through together. This keeps the steak tender and allows all the flavors to meld perfectly without any component overpowering the others.
FAQ
Do steak and pasta go together?
Yes! Steak pasta is a classic combination that works beautifully. The rich, savory flavors of beef pair perfectly with creamy pasta sauces, creating a satisfying and balanced meal.
Which steak is best for pasta?
Sirloin and ribeye work best for steak pasta because they're tender and cook quickly. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for steaks?
The 3-3-3 rule means grilling steak for 3 minutes, rotating 45 degrees for 3 more minutes, then flipping and repeating. For steak pasta, we use a skillet method instead for better control.
Should I cook pasta or steak first?
Cook the pasta first, then the steak. This ensures your steak pasta comes together hot and fresh, with perfectly cooked components that don't sit around getting cold.
Wrapping Up Your Perfect Steak Pasta Experience
This steak pasta recipe proves that you don't need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something truly special. With just a few simple ingredients and the right technique, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time. The combination of tender steak, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated.
The beauty of this steak pasta lies in its versatility and simplicity. Once you master the basic technique, you can easily customize it to your family's preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something delicious on a weeknight, this steak pasta delivers every single time.
Two More Amazing Steak Recipes to Try:
Chimichurri Flank Steak: Marinate flank steak in a vibrant green sauce made with fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, and olive oil. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, then slice against the grain for maximum tenderness. This Argentine-inspired dish brings bright, fresh flavors that pair beautifully with roasted vegetables or a simple salad.
Caesar Grilled Steak: Transform your typical steak dinner with a Caesar-inspired marinade made from anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Grill your favorite cut to perfection and serve over crisp romaine lettuce with homemade croutons. This unique approach combines the best of both worlds; a perfectly cooked steak with the fresh, tangy flavors of a classic Caesar salad.
With love from my kitchen to yours,
Taylor Monroe
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Steak Pasta recipe:
Creamy Steak Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet For searing steak and making the sauce
- 1 Large pot For boiling the pasta
- 1 Sharp knife For cutting steak into bite-sized pieces
- 1 Wooden Spoon For stirring the sauce
- 1 Cheese grater Fresh Parmesan makes all the difference
- 1 Meat thermometer Optional, for steak doneness
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 1 lb sirloin steak Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoon olive oil For searing
- 2 garlic cloves Minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine Or penne or any pasta you like
- 1 tablespoon salt For pasta water
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves Minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated
- 0.25 cup white wine Optional
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- salt and pepper To taste
- fresh parsley For garnish
Instructions
- Season steak with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear steak in hot oil 2–3 mins/side.
- Boil pasta until al dente.
- Reserve pasta water.
- Melt butter in skillet.
- Sauté garlic 30 seconds.
- Add cream then simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
- Toss pasta with sauce.
- Return steak and add spinach.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
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