Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Steak Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a deliciously savory twist. The combination of tender, perfectly seared steak and the creamy, garlicky sauce over pasta is incredibly satisfying. The sauce is rich and full of flavor, but not overly heavy, making this dish a great balance of indulgence and freshness. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights when you want a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye (or your preferred steak cut), thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the steak)
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for added flavor)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp butter
12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the steak:

Season the steak: Season the steak slices generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cook the steak: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through, until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness (medium-rare is ideal). Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.

For the pasta:

Cook the pasta: While the steak is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water. Set aside.

For the garlic sauce:

Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet used to cook the steak, add a bit more olive oil if needed and reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic (and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
Deglaze with broth: Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the broth simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the cream: Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the butter and cheese: Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the cheese melts into the sauce, making it creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice).

Combine the steak, pasta, and sauce:

Toss the pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat in the creamy garlic sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Add the steak: Return the cooked steak to the skillet, tossing everything together to combine and heat the steak through.

Serve:

Plate and garnish: Serve the garlic steak pasta in bowls or on plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy: Enjoy this deliciously indulgent and comforting garlic steak pasta!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Skip the steak and use sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant as a substitute. The garlic sauce still provides a delicious and savory flavor.
Creamier Sauce: If you want a richer sauce, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream or even a little cream cheese to the sauce for extra creaminess.
Add Vegetables: Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli to the pasta for extra nutrition and color.
Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta: If you enjoy spice, add more red pepper flakes, or toss in a few sliced fresh jalapeños to the sauce for a fiery kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover garlic steak pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce and prevent it from getting too thick.
Freezing: It’s best to freeze the steak and pasta separately to maintain the best texture. You can freeze the pasta with the sauce for up to 1 month, but the steak might become a little tough upon reheating.

Conclusion

Garlic Steak Pasta is the perfect combination of juicy steak, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is indulgent yet easy to make, and it’s full of rich flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this garlic steak pasta is sure to impress and satisfy. With endless customization options, it’s a dish that you can tailor to your taste and enjoy time and time again.

Garlic Steak Pasta