Name: Creamy Steak Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak; 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing steak and sautéing garlic)

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If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, let me introduce you to this fabulous Creamy Steak Pasta. It’s the perfect blend of tender, juicy steak nestled atop perfectly cooked pasta, all drenched in a luxurious, garlicky cream sauce with that luscious Parmesan finish. This dish is an easy way to elevate a weeknight dinner or impress guests without fussing over complicated steps. Once you make this Creamy Steak Pasta, you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again for its rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Creamy Steak Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this recipe is how each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that unforgettable flavor and creamy texture, yet none are complicated or hard to find. Think of it as your simple, delicious toolkit for creating magic in the kitchen.

Sirlion or ribeye steak: Choose a tender cut well-marbled for juicy flavor and easy slicing.
Fettuccine or penne pasta: These shapes hold onto the cream sauce beautifully, making every bite indulgent.
Heavy cream: The secret to the sauce’s silky richness that wraps around the pasta and steak.
Minced garlic: Adds an aromatic punch that elevates the cream sauce to savory heaven.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for that salty, nutty depth and irresistible pull.
Salt and pepper: The essential seasoning to enhance every flavor, tailored to your taste.

How to Make Creamy Steak Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt helps season the pasta from the inside out, giving it a subtle savory base. Cook your fettuccine or penne according to package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes, until just al dente. Drain it well but reserve about half a cup of that magical pasta water—that starchy liquid will help loosen the sauce later and make it cling perfectly to every noodle.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak

While the pasta cooks, season your steak generously with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil and sear the steak, 4 minutes per side or until it reaches your preferred doneness. The delicious crust that forms is pure flavor gold. Once cooked, allow the steak to rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain to ensure tender, easy bites.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet where the steak was cooked, sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant—about a minute—to unlock its sweet, mellow aroma. Then pour in the heavy cream, lowering the heat and letting it gently simmer. This slow warming thickens the cream and marries it with all those pan flavors left behind from the steak, infusing the sauce with incredible depth.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Now the magic happens. Stir in your freshly grated Parmesan cheese and watch it melt into the cream, transforming it into a velvety, cheesy dream. Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches a smooth, saucy consistency that isn’t too thick or too thin. This perfect balance is what makes the Creamy Steak Pasta truly irresistible.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Slide your cooked pasta and sliced steak into the skillet, lovingly tossing everything so each piece is thoroughly coated in that gorgeous creamy sauce. Let it warm together for about 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ensuring your dish is served hot and luscious. This final toss ties all the elements into one unforgettable plate.

Step 6: Serve

Plate your creation carefully and drizzle any remaining sauce over the top for extra decadence. The richness, the tender steak slices, and the creamy coating on every noodle make for a truly comforting and elegant dish that’s ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Creamy Steak Pasta

Garnishes

To elevate your Creamy Steak Pasta presentation, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and freshness that cuts through the creaminess beautifully. You can also add a little cracked black pepper or extra Parmesan for a final savory note that guests will adore.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to add a little texture and brightness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also makes a fantastic companion to scoop up every last bit of that rich sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive dinner party, serve your Creamy Steak Pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the steak slices layered on top. Drizzle with a light balsamic reduction or a touch of chili flakes for a unexpected kick. You can even serve the pasta inside hollowed-out parmesan wheels for a stunning visual and taste experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After indulging in your delicious Creamy Steak Pasta, simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken, so a quick reheat with a splash of cream or water restores that silky texture.

Freezing

While cream-based sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze this dish if needed. Pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop with extra cream added to bring back the lusciousness.

Reheating

Reheat your Creamy Steak Pasta patiently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring often and adding small amounts of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, but just be sure to stir frequently to avoid uneven heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin or ribeye is recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can use other cuts like flank or strip steak—but be mindful to cook them properly so they remain tender and juicy.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream to reduce calories, but the sauce might be less thick and rich. Adding a bit of flour or cornstarch can help thicken it back up.

What’s the best cheese to use if I don’t have Parmesan?

Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano make great substitutes offering similar salty, nutty flavors. Freshly grated cheese works best for melting smoothly into the sauce.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?

You can cook the pasta and steak ahead, then prepare the sauce last minute for freshness. Alternatively, fully assemble and gently reheat just before serving, adding a splash of cream to revive the sauce.

What pasta shape works best for Creamy Steak Pasta?

Fettuccine and penne are my favorites because they hold onto the creamy sauce wonderfully. Tagliatelle or rigatoni are also great options if you want a bit of variety.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Steak Pasta is a total crowd-pleaser that feels both elegant and comforting at the same time. Its rich flavors, tender steak, and luxurious sauce come together effortlessly to create a dish you’ll want to make again and again. I absolutely encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a new favorite in your kitchen. You deserve to enjoy a meal this delicious any day of the week!

Creamy Steak Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

A rich and indulgent creamy steak pasta featuring tender sirloin or ribeye steak seared to perfection, combined with al dente fettuccine or penne pasta tossed in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for a comforting dinner with robust flavors and a smooth, velvety texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak and Pasta

1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak
8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing steak and sautéing garlic)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
Prepare the Steak: Season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the steak and sear for about 4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove from heat and let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the steak, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, creating a smooth sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust the sauce to your desired consistency, stirring to incorporate.
Toss Everything Together: Add the cooked pasta and sliced steak back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat evenly. Heat for about 2 minutes to warm through and blend the flavors.
Serve: Plate the creamy steak pasta immediately and drizzle with any remaining sauce from the skillet. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley for added freshness.

Notes

Resting the steak after cooking helps retain juices and ensures a tender bite.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
Adjust the creaminess of the sauce by adding reserved pasta water gradually.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of cream and milk.
This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing, Boiling, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American