Savory Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe

Indulge in the perfect blend of flavors with our delectable Garlic Butter Steak Pasta recipe. This dish is a harmonious marriage of fork-tender steak bites, creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce, and springy twisted pasta that’ll have your taste buds dancing. The creamy sauce infused with garlic, butter, and a hint of spice wraps around the steak and pasta, creating a comforting yet luxurious meal.

I stumbled upon this Garlic Butter Steak Pasta recipe during a last-minute dinner with friends, and it has since become a household favorite. The rich and creamy sauce paired with perfectly cooked steak creates a dish that’s both elegant and easy to make, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The swirls of pasta picking up the flavors of the sauce and steak make each bite a delightful experience that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds.

Whether you’re craving a cozy Italian-American dish or the warmth of Cajun flavors, this recipe has you covered. The versatility of this dish allows for personal touches and ingredient swaps, making it a go-to for any season or occasion. So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and treat yourself to this irresistible Garlic Butter Steak Pasta that promises to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

Quick Benefits

• Juicy and Tender Steak: Cooked over high heat for a few minutes to brown, ensuring juicy, tender pieces.
• Versatile Pasta Option: Substitute any short pasta for the twisted pasta to capture the sauce nicely.
• Creamy and Spicy Sauce: A smooth texture from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese coats the pasta and steak evenly, enhanced by Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes for a pleasant heat.
• Make-ahead Potential: Prep steak and sauce in advance, combine and reheat gently before serving for a quick weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe Recipe

• Indulgent Yet Easy: A dish that feels comforting and fancy, perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A top-request dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Creamy and Spicy: The creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce with a touch of heat from the Cajun spices is a flavor explosion.
• Versatile: Customize by swapping steak for chicken or adjusting the spice levels to suit your taste.
• Leftover Friendly: Store and reheat easily for a quick and delicious meal the next day.
• Fusion of Flavors: Italian American comfort food meets Cajun spice, offering the best of both worlds.
• Seasonal Adaptations: Easily adapt the dish to different seasons for a variety of flavors year-round.
• Irresistible Combination: The buttery steak paired with creamy pasta is a match made in culinary heaven.
• Quick Cooking: Cook steak briefly over high heat for juicy, tender pieces, ensuring a delicious outcome.
• Sauce Perfection: The heavy cream and Parmesan sauce creates a silky-smooth texture that coats the pasta and steak beautifully.

Ingredients for Savory Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe

Steak

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1.5 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Spicy Cajun Alfredo Pasta

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta

Pro Tips for Savory Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe

To ensure your steak is perfectly cooked, sear it over high heat for just a few minutes to achieve a nice browned exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Avoid overcooking the steak to retain its flavors.

Feel free to customize this recipe by using your preferred type of short pasta, like penne or farfalle, if you don’t have rotini or fusilli on hand. The shape of the pasta will still capture the creamy sauce nicely.

The creamy Alfredo sauce is key to this dish’s deliciousness. The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a velvety texture that coats both the pasta and steak beautifully. Don’t hesitate to adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to suit your spice level preferences. Enjoy this dish fresh, or prepare the steak and sauce ahead of time and combine them for a quick reheat before serving.

How to Make Savory Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta

Boil rotini or fusilli pasta in salted water until al dente as per package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta.

Step 2: Prepare and Season Steak

Dry sirloin steak cubes with paper towels and season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Step 3: Sear Steak

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add steak cubes and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic

In the skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5: Prepare Cajun Alfredo Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in butter, heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer, stirring continuously, for 3 to 4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Combine cooked pasta with sauce in skillet, tossing to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is achieved.

Step 7: Add Steak and Finish

Add the cooked steak bites back to the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Gently mix to combine and heat through.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Divide the pasta and steak among serving plates. Top generously with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve prepared the delicious Garlic Butter Steak Pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, consider adding a splash of cream or milk to the dish before microwaving or gently warming it on the stove to help loosen the sauce and maintain its creamy texture. For longer storage, portion out the steak and pasta separately for freezing. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before recombining and enjoying.

To enhance or modify the dish based on your preferences, feel free to experiment with different types of protein like chicken breast instead of sirloin steak or switch to a dairy-free version using coconut cream in place of heavy cream. You can also substitute Parmesan cheese with pecorino romano for a sharper taste or opt for a vegan Parmesan alternative for a plant-based twist. Enhance the dish with simple sides like a green salad, garlic bread, roasted broccolini, or steamed green beans, and consider squeezing a lemon wedge over the creamy sauce before serving to add a refreshing touch to the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different type of meat, you can swap the sirloin steak for strip steak, flank steak, or even chicken breast for a lighter alternative. For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream, but be aware that the sauce may be slightly less rich. If you’re out of Parmesan cheese, try using pecorino romano for a sharper flavor or opt for a vegan parm for a plant-based twist.

Feel free to substitute any short pasta like penne or farfalle for the rotini or fusilli called for in the recipe. Short pasta shapes work well to capture the creamy sauce and complement the steak bites. Remember to cook the steak over high heat for just a few minutes to achieve a nice brown sear while keeping the pieces juicy and tender. Adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to suit your personal spice preferences. Enjoy this flavorful dish with simple sides like a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try plating the garlic butter steak pasta in individual mini cast iron skillets for a cozy and rustic presentation. Garnish each skillet with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for a touch of elegance. Serve with a side of garlic breadsticks for a complete and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your dinner guests.

To elevate the presentation further, consider topping the garlic butter steak pasta with a handful of crispy fried shallots for a delightful crunch and added depth of flavor. The crispy shallots not only provide a textural contrast but also bring a hint of sweetness to complement the savory and creamy elements of the dish. Finish off the dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness that ties everything together beautifully.

FAQs for Savory Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

Yes! Substitute any short pasta, such as penne or farfalle, for the twisted pasta to capture sauce nicely.

What gives the sauce its creamy texture?

The sauce uses heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, creating a smooth texture that coats the pasta and steak evenly.

How spicy is this dish with the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes?

The Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes add a pleasant heat. Adjust quantities to match your spice preference.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep steak and sauce in advance, then combine and reheat gently before serving.

Conclusion

As you savor every bite of this delectable Garlic Butter Steak Pasta, remember that creating a meal that delights your taste buds doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple ingredients and a little love in the kitchen, you can treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy dish right at home.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply craving a comforting meal, this Garlic Butter Steak Pasta recipe is sure to hit the spot. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to indulge in a luxurious blend of flavors that will have you coming back for more. Enjoy this culinary adventure and savor every moment of cooking and sharing this delicious dish. Cheers to creating memorable meals and happy hearts with Garlic Butter Steak Pasta!