Name: Creamy Steak Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp oil (for searing); 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup reserved pasta water (from cooking pasta); Salt and pepper, to taste

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If you are craving a dish that balances indulgent creaminess with savory, tender steak, then you are going to absolutely adore this Creamy Steak Pasta. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy enough for a date night but straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner. The luscious sauce clings perfectly to each bite of pasta, while juicy slices of steak add beefy richness that can turn any meal into a celebration. Trust me, once you master this Creamy Steak Pasta, it will quickly rise as a favorite in your dinner rotation.

Creamy Steak Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sometimes perfection is all about simple, quality ingredients. Each one in this recipe plays a vital role—from the juicy steak that adds robust flavor to the creamy, velvety sauce that wraps around the pasta. Getting these right guarantees a dish that’s balanced, tasty, and deeply satisfying.

1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak: Choose a tender cut for juicy, flavorful slices that complement the sauce beautifully.
8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta: These shapes hold the sauce well, ensuring every forkful is coated with creamy goodness.
1 cup heavy cream: This is the heart of the sauce, creating that signature rich, silky texture.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds an aromatic punch that wakes up the cream and steak flavors.
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives the sauce a nutty, sharp finish.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning that enhances every ingredient without overpowering them.

How to Make Creamy Steak Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil; salt is essential here as it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Add your fettuccine or penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining — this starchy water is a magic ingredient that will help perfect the sauce’s consistency.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak

While the pasta cooks, season your steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the steak. Sear it for about 4 minutes per side, adjusting the time if you prefer your steak more rare or well done. Once cooked, remove the steak from the pan and let it rest — this resting period keeps the juices locked in and makes slicing way easier.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Using the same skillet that held the steak, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant, about a minute, being careful not to burn it. Then pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently, stirring frequently. This step allows the cream to pick up the steak’s savory flavors left in the pan, creating a luscious base for your sauce.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Once the cream has warmed through, start stirring in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will slowly melt into the sauce, thickening it and adding depth. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your ideal consistency — silky and smooth but not runny.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Slice your rested steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness, then add those glorious pieces back to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently so the sauce coats every strand and slice perfectly. Give it a quick warm-through for about two minutes to marry all the flavors beautifully.

Step 6: Serve

Now the fun part — plating! Scoop generous portions onto plates and, if you have any leftover sauce in the pan, drizzle it on top for an extra creamy punch. This Creamy Steak Pasta is ready to be devoured and adored.

How to Serve Creamy Steak Pasta

Garnishes

Garnishing this dish not only adds visual appeal but also enhances flavor and texture contrast. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top to brighten the rich creaminess with a pop of green and freshness. A little extra grated Parmesan or a crack of fresh black pepper adds finishing touches that make each bite feel special.

Side Dishes

Since the Creamy Steak Pasta is quite rich and hearty, pairing it with simple sides works best. Consider a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess, or steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for added crunch and color. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette can also complement the meal, perfect for mopping up extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to take your Creamy Steak Pasta to the next level? Serve it in individual shallow bowls to contain that luscious sauce, or elegantly twirl the pasta around your fork before plating for a restaurant-style presentation. For a party, consider serving the pasta family-style in a large serving dish, letting guests dig in and customize with garnishes as they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Creamy Steak Pasta will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

While the creamy sauce might separate slightly when frozen, you can freeze Creamy Steak Pasta if needed. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk and stir frequently to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture. Microwaving works too, but be sure to heat in short bursts and stir to prevent uneven heating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of steak for Creamy Steak Pasta?

Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are preferred for their tenderness and flavor, you can use any cut you like. Just adjust cooking times as leaner cuts may cook faster and can be less juicy.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk could work, but the flavor profile will change.

Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. The sauce and steak remain naturally gluten-free.

How do I know when the steak is done to my liking?

Using a meat thermometer helps: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well. Resting the steak after cooking also helps juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.

What pasta works best with Creamy Steak Pasta?

Fettuccine and penne are excellent because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce nicely, but you can also experiment with rigatoni, linguine, or even spaghetti depending on your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Steak Pasta is a true crowd-pleaser that combines comforting creaminess with the satisfying heartiness of perfectly cooked steak. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, it’s a recipe that feels special and yet is so easy to pull together. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner that gets requested again and again.

Creamy Steak Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy Steak Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender slices of seared sirloin or ribeye steak tossed with al dente fettuccine or penne pasta in a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a hearty dinner that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak

1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp oil (for searing)

Pasta

8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta

Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup reserved pasta water (from cooking pasta)
Salt and pepper, to taste

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 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
Prepare the Steak: Season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak and sear it for about 4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired doneness (medium-rare to medium recommended). Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, stirring to reach your preferred sauce consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss Everything Together: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Add the sliced steak and gently mix everything together. Heat through on low for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Serve: Plate the creamy steak pasta, drizzle with any remaining sauce from the skillet, and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Resting the steak before slicing helps retain its juices for a tender bite.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a better melt and flavor compared to pre-grated options.
Adjust pasta water quantity to achieve desired sauce thickness.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture absorbs the sauce best.

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