Treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food with Steak and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta, a dish that brings restaurant-style elegance straight to your dinner table with minimal fuss. This recipe combines juicy, seared steak with silky, garlicky Parmesan sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta. The marriage of savory, rich flavors and velvety textures is unforgettable, and creates a meal that’s both cozy and impressive enough to make any night feel special.

Steak and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a laundry list of ingredients for this showstopper. Each element in Steak and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and ensuring every bite is irresistibly creamy, savory, and satisfying.

Steak: Use boneless ribeye or sirloin for tender, flavorful slices that elevate the dish.
Pasta: Twelve ounces of your favorite shape—spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne—soaks up that luscious sauce perfectly.
Olive Oil: Adds depth and helps sear the steak beautifully, giving it a golden crust.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for brightening steak and sauce; season generously for the best flavor.
Butter: Lends richness and a silky mouthfeel to the creamy garlic sauce.
Garlic: Four fresh cloves bring bold, aromatic flavor that’s the heart of this pasta.
Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its signature creaminess and decadent texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parm melts into the sauce, adding salty, nutty complexity.
Beef Broth (optional): Use for deeper, more savory notes in your sauce, especially if you love robust flavors.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that balances out all the richness.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: Chopped herbs sprinkle a pop of color and freshness right at the end.

How to Make Steak and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil. Drop in your pasta and let it cook until perfectly al dente—about 8–10 minutes, depending on the shape you choose. Before draining, scoop out half a cup of that starchy pasta water to help blend the sauce later. Let your pasta drain, then set it aside while you move on to the irresistible steak.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

While the pasta bubbles away, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Pat your steaks dry and sprinkle both sides liberally with salt and pepper. Sear each steak for 4–5 minutes per side (for a juicy medium-rare), adjusting the time for your preferred doneness. Once they’re gorgeously browned, transfer them to a plate and let them rest for five minutes—this keeps the meat tender and juicy. For serving, slice thinly against the grain so every bite melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, dial down to medium heat and add the remaining olive oil and all the butter. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until it’s golden and fragrant—this is where you’ll start to smell magic happening! If you’re using beef broth, pour it in now and let it simmer, reducing slightly to intensify the flavor. Next, add your heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until you get a smooth, creamy sauce, about 3–4 minutes. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Add your cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing gently to coat with the luscious sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, drizzle in a splash or two of that reserved pasta water until it’s silky and clings to every noodle. Fold in the sliced steak right before serving, just so it’s warmed through and mingling with all that garlicky, cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Serve

Plate your Steak and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta while it’s piping hot. Shower the top with extra Parmesan and freshly chopped herbs for a final flourish. The aroma will have everyone lining up for seconds!

How to Serve Steak and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Garnishes

A generous extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan is a must here. Finish each plate with a shower of freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and herby brightness. A light twist of fresh black pepper or a pinch more red pepper flakes can really make the flavors pop.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or some buttered garlic bread that’s perfect for scooping up extra sauce. If you’re feeling extra cozy, roasted vegetables—think broccoli, asparagus, or crispy Brussels sprouts—are wonderful alongside this rich pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Steak and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a crowd-pleaser however you serve it, but elevating your presentation takes dinnertime to restaurant level! Twirl the pasta into nests on each plate and drape the steak slices artfully over the top. For a dinner party, serve everything family-style on a large platter so everyone can help themselves to as much steak and saucy pasta as they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply let the Steak and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three days, making for the dreamiest next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

While pasta in creamy sauces can be a little tricky to freeze, it is possible! Place completely cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and be prepared to whisk things back together when reheating, since creamy sauces sometimes separate.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of extra cream or milk to help revive the sauce’s creaminess. Stir often and heat just until warmed through—you want everything creamy, silky, and never overcooked. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan over the top never hurts.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While ribeye and sirloin are especially tender and flavorful, feel free to use New York strip or even flank steak—just slice thinly and always cut against the grain for maximum tenderness.

What pasta shape works best for Steak and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta?

Honestly, any pasta you love will work, but long noodles like fettuccine or spaghetti are classic because they get nicely coated in that creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Penne and rigatoni are excellent for catching every drop, too.

Can I make the sauce lighter?

If you’d like a lighter take, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk. The sauce will be a bit less rich but still plenty flavorful, especially with the kick from garlic and Parmesan.

Is the beef broth necessary?

Not at all—you’ll still get wonderful flavor without it! That said, a splash of beef broth does add an extra layer of depth and savory goodness to the sauce. If you don’t have it, just use a bit more cream or pasta water.

How do I get the steak perfectly seared?

The key is to pat the steak dry and get your skillet hot before adding the meat—this helps build that irresistible crust. Sear without moving the steak for a few minutes per side, let it rest, and remember to slice it against the grain for ultimate tenderness.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Steak and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta, you’ll find yourself craving it on every occasion that calls for comfort and pure deliciousness. It’s rich, deeply flavorful, and surprisingly easy once you’ve given it a go. Dive in and savor every bite—this is one recipe you’ll keep coming back to!