Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Butter Steak Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender sirloin steak cubes are seared and tossed in a creamy, garlicky Cajun Alfredo sauce with your favorite twisted pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 lb sirloin steak, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 8 oz twisted pasta such as rotini or fusilli
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the twisted pasta until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
2. Step 2: Toss the cubed sirloin with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Step 3: Sear the steak cubes for about two minutes without moving them. Turn to brown each side evenly, then remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour heavy cream into the skillet. Stir in Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy.
7. Step 7: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
8. Step 8: Return the cooked steak to the skillet, stirring gently to warm it through and coat it with the sauce.
9. Step 9: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use ribeye or flank steak for a different texture or flavor profile.
• Swap twisted pasta with penne or farfalle if preferred.
• For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with milk or use a cream alternative.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
• Adjust the heat by increasing or omitting red pepper flakes.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens. Avoid microwaving directly to keep the steak tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use ribeye, flank, or even sirloin tip steak. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the thickness to avoid overcooking.

Is it okay to make the sauce ahead of time?

The sauce is best made fresh for optimal creaminess and flavor. However, you can prepare it a few hours in advance and gently reheat while adding a bit of cream or water to restore its texture.

Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 148 reviews

This Garlic Butter Steak Pasta combines tender cubed sirloin steak with a rich and creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce, tossed with al dente twisted pasta. Infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and fresh parsley, this dish offers a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for steak and pasta lovers alike.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Steak and Seasoning

• 1 lb sirloin steak, cubed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Pasta

• 8 oz twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli)
• Salt (for pasta water, to taste)
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Sauce and Garnish

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the twisted pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
2. Season and Sear the Steak: Toss the cubed sirloin with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to coat evenly. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes and sear without moving for about two minutes to develop a good crust. Turn the cubes to brown all sides evenly, then remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
3. Create Garlic Butter Base: Reduce the heat to medium. Add unsalted butter to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits left from the steak. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes golden and fragrant, careful not to burn it.
4. Build Cajun Alfredo Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, additional garlic powder if desired, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
5. Combine with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it well to coat in the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred consistency.
6. Finish with Steak and Serve: Return the cooked steak cubes to the skillet and mix to warm the meat through and coat it in the sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the pasta immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use sirloin steak for tender, juicy pieces that cook quickly without becoming tough.
• Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce and make it silkier if it thickens too much.
• Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to control the spice intensity based on your preference.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor; pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the cream sauce at its best consistency.

Keywords: Garlic Butter Steak Pasta, Cajun Alfredo Pasta, Creamy Steak Pasta, Easy Steak Dinner, One-Pan Pasta