Flavorful Steak Pasta Recipe with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Posted on November 3, 2025

Introduction

The sizzle of a perfectly seared steak, the aroma of garlic simmering in cream, and the satisfying twirl of al dente pasta—it’s comfort food at its finest. This flavorful steak pasta recipe with creamy garlic sauce is one of those dishes that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, it’s become a staple in my weekly dinner rotation, and I promise it’ll be on yours too!

There’s something magical about pairing the rich, savory flavors of steak with a smooth and creamy garlic sauce. It’s a dish that feels fancy enough for a special occasion but is simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. I first stumbled upon the idea while experimenting in the kitchen, trying to create a quick meal with ingredients I already had. The result? A bowl of pure joy that my family keeps asking for.

If you’re looking for a recipe that combines protein-packed steak, silky pasta, and a dreamy, garlicky sauce, you’re in the right place. This dish is perfect for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful meals that come together without a ton of effort. Let’s dive into the details so you can enjoy this delicious creation at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this steak pasta recipe is ideal for a busy weeknight or an impromptu dinner party.
Simple ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy—just pantry staples and fresh steak.
Rich and creamy: The garlic sauce is luscious, smooth, and perfectly coats every strand of pasta.
A crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s for kids, adults, or picky eaters, this recipe always gets rave reviews.
Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe for different diets and flavor preferences—more on that later!

What makes this steak pasta stand out? The combination of tender steak bites with the creamy garlic sauce creates a restaurant-worthy dish that’s truly unforgettable. Plus, the flavors are so balanced—garlic, cream, and juicy steak are a match made in heaven.

Honestly, this isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. Picture a cozy dinner with a glass of wine, warm plates, and happy faces around the table. That’s what this steak pasta brings to the table (literally!).

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to create bold flavors and a satisfying texture. Most of these are pantry staples, so you might already have them on hand!

Steak: 1 lb of sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak, cut into bite-sized pieces (choose a cut with good marbling for ultimate tenderness).
Pasta: 12 oz of fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne (use gluten-free pasta if needed).
Butter: 2 tbsp of unsalted butter (adds richness).
Olive Oil: 2 tbsp for searing the steak.
Garlic: 5 cloves, minced (fresh garlic is key for the best flavor).
Heavy Cream: 1 cup (for that indulgent, creamy sauce).
Parmesan Cheese: ¾ cup, freshly grated (use high-quality cheese for maximum flavor).
Beef Broth: ½ cup (adds depth to the sauce).
Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp (a perfect blend of herbs for a robust flavor).
Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Fresh Parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (optional, for garnish).

You can always tweak this ingredient list to suit your needs. For a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap the beef for chicken or shrimp. This recipe is all about making it your own!

Equipment Needed

Large skillet: Perfect for searing the steak and making the sauce.
Pot: For boiling your pasta—you’ll need a pot large enough to hold 12 oz of pasta comfortably.
Tongs: Useful for flipping the steak and tossing the pasta.
Knife: A sharp chef’s knife will make slicing the steak easier.
Cutting board: For prepping your steak and any fresh ingredients.
Grater: A handheld grater for freshly grating the Parmesan cheese.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the garlic and sauce.

If you don’t have a large skillet, a heavy-bottomed pot works as a great alternative. Just be sure to use something with good heat distribution for even cooking!

Preparation Method

Prepare the steak: Start by patting your steak dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Sear the steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the steak pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned but still tender. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
Make the creamy garlic sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and beef broth, whisking well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine the pasta and steak: Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy garlic sauce. Return the steak to the skillet and mix gently to combine.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Pro tip: If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. On the flip side, if it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your steak pasta turns out perfect every time:

Pick the right steak: A cut with good marbling, like ribeye or sirloin, will give you tender and flavorful bites.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: When searing steak, give the pieces plenty of room. If they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of brown.
Salt your pasta water generously: This is your chance to season the pasta itself—it makes a big difference!
Let the steak rest: After cooking, let the steak sit for a few minutes to retain its juices before adding it back to the dish.
Taste as you go: Adjust the seasoning in your sauce based on your preferences—more garlic, salt, or Parmesan can be added to suit your taste.

And here’s a personal tip: if you’re in a rush, you can use pre-minced garlic or pre-shredded Parmesan, but fresh ingredients always elevate the dish. (Oops—I mean, they just taste better!)

Variations & Adaptations

This steak pasta recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to customize it:

Dietary Swap: For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan cheese.
Seasonal Twist: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or roasted cherry tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
Low-carb option: Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter version that’s still just as delicious.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the creamy garlic sauce for a bit of heat.
Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in some shredded mozzarella for an extra cheesy sauce—perfect for cheese lovers!

One variation I love is swapping the steak for shrimp—it cooks super quickly and pairs beautifully with the garlic cream sauce. Give it a try!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This steak pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but here are some tips for serving and storing:

Serving: Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs well with garlic knots, a side of sautéed veggies, or a crisp green salad.
Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the steak tough.
Freezing: The creamy sauce won’t freeze well, so it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or within a few days.

Pro tip: The garlic flavors will develop even more as the dish sits, so leftovers can taste even better!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This steak pasta with creamy garlic sauce is a wholesome and satisfying meal. Here’s a quick look at its nutritional highlights:

Protein-packed: The steak provides a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
Calcium-rich: The Parmesan cheese and cream contribute to your daily calcium intake for strong bones.
Iron boost: Steak is a great source of iron, which helps transport oxygen in your blood.
Customizable: Easily adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

If you’re watching calories, you can swap the heavy cream for a lighter alternative or reduce the amount of Parmesan. No matter how you tweak it, this recipe will still taste incredible!

Conclusion

This flavorful steak pasta recipe with creamy garlic sauce is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to impress and satisfy.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below or share your own twist on this dish. Don’t forget to save this recipe and share it with your friends. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you like—spaghetti, linguine, penne, or even bowtie pasta. Just make sure to cook it al dente.

What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?

Sirloin and ribeye are great choices for their tenderness and flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, go for flank steak.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make the sauce and cook the steak ahead of time. Store them separately and reheat gently before combining with freshly cooked pasta.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Just swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. The sauce and steak are naturally gluten-free!

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes make delicious additions that complement the creamy garlic sauce.

Pin This Recipe!