Creamy Steak Pasta
Creamy Steak Pasta: A Delightful Comfort Food Experience
This Creamy Steak Pasta comes together seamlessly, turning simple ingredients into a decadent meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Imagine a rich, creamy sauce enveloping tender strips of steak and perfectly cooked pasta—each bite a harmonious blend of flavors. Whether you’re looking to impress a special guest, whip up a quick family dinner, or treat yourself, this dish delivers comfort and satisfaction.
Reasons to Fall in Love with This Dish
What makes this recipe truly stand out is its versatility and ease. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner, taking less than 30 minutes to prepare while still feeling indulgent. The creamy sauce, enriched with beef broth and Parmesan cheese, brings out the robust flavors of the steak and pasta, making it a family favorite that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
“This Creamy Steak Pasta instantly became a family favorite! The combination of flavors is simply divine, and it took no time at all to prepare. I can’t recommend it enough!” – Sarah P., home cook
How This Recipe Comes Together
Creating this delicious steak pasta is a straightforward process. First, you’ll cook the pasta until it’s al dente while you prepare the steak. Searing the meat to perfection enhances its flavor, and then you’ll build your creamy sauce using the same pan to capture all those delicious browned bits. Finally, everything comes together in a satisfying, flavorful dish that looks as wonderful as it tastes.
What You’ll Need
To make this Creamy Steak Pasta, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) pasta (fettuccine or pappardelle)
- 1 lb (450g) steak (ribeye or sirloin), sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ¾ cup (180ml) beef broth
- ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Feel free to play with the ingredients: you can substitute the steak for chicken or make it vegetarian by adding more veggies!
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente per package instructions.
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Sear the Steak: While the pasta cooks, pat the steak dry, season with salt and pepper, and sear it in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove the steak from the pan and cover it to keep warm.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Once melted, sauté the onions for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Create the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth, scraping up the browned bits from the pan. Reduce the broth by half, then stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mixing until it has melted and is well combined.
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Combine Everything: Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water. Add the pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat it well. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
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Final Touches: Gently fold in the sliced steak along with any juices accumulated on the plate. Heat through for about 1 minute and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
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Serve: Plate the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.
How to Plate and Pair
Elevate your Creamy Steak Pasta by serving it in a shallow bowl, allowing the rich sauce to pool beautifully. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant touch, while a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese will make it irresistible. For side dishes, consider a crisp green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. A glass of red wine complements the flavors wonderfully, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Leftovers are a delicious perk of making Creamy Steak Pasta. To store, place any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze the pasta without the cream sauce as the sauce may thicken or separate upon reheating.
To reheat, simply warm it gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of additional broth or cream to restore creaminess. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Pro Chef Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Steak: Searing steak for just 1-2 minutes per side keeps it juicy and tender. It will cook a bit more when combined with the sauce, so avoid overcooking initially.
- Pasta Cooking Tip: Make sure to reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water can help adjust the sauce’s consistency as you mix the pasta in.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to add a splash of white wine for an extra layer of flavor or toss in some seasonal veggies like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Creative Twists to Try
If you’re in the mood to get creative, consider the following variations for your Creamy Steak Pasta:
- Mushroom Madness: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor boost.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Herb Infusion: Top with basil or arugula for a fresh herb twist instead of parsley.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare Creamy Steak Pasta?
This dish typically takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Absolutely! Chicken breast or thigh would work beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How should I store my leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the plain pasta.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and make sure the steak and broth are certified gluten-free.
This Creamy Steak Pasta recipe brings together convenience and gourmet flavors, making it a wonderful option for any home cook looking to impress. Enjoy the delightful blend of creamy sauce, tender steak, and perfectly cooked pasta—it’s bound to be a hit at your dinner table!
Creamy Steak Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente per package instructions.
- While the pasta cooks, pat the steak dry, season with salt and pepper, and sear it in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove the steak from the pan and cover it to keep warm.
- In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Once melted, sauté the onions for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth, scraping up the browned bits from the pan. Reduce the broth by half, then stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mixing until it has melted and is well combined.
- Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water. Add the pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat it well. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Gently fold in the sliced steak along with any juices accumulated on the plate. Heat through for about 1 minute and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
- Plate the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.
