Garlic Steak Pasta: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Garlic Steak Pasta: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! Imagine perfectly seared, juicy steak, mingling with al dente pasta, all enveloped in a luscious, garlicky sauce. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience.

While the exact origins of Garlic Steak Pasta are debated, its popularity likely stems from the fusion of classic Italian pasta dishes with the hearty appeal of American steakhouse fare. It’s a celebration of simplicity and indulgence, bringing together the best of both worlds.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the symphony of flavors and textures. The rich, savory steak provides a satisfying protein punch, while the pasta offers a comforting base. But the real star is the garlic sauce – fragrant, creamy, and utterly addictive. People adore this dish because it’s both elegant enough for a special occasion and easy enough for a weeknight dinner. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So, let’s get cooking and create some magic in the kitchen!

Ingredients:

• For the Steak:
• 2 (8-ounce) sirloin steaks, about 1-inch thick
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Pasta:
• 1 pound pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds great flavor!)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Preparing the Steak:

1. Prepare the Steaks: Pat the sirloin steaks dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear! Drying the surface removes excess moisture, allowing the Maillard reaction (browning) to occur more effectively.
2. Make the Garlic Herb Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
3. Marinate the Steaks: Rub the garlic herb mixture all over both sides of the steaks. Make sure every inch is covered! This will infuse the meat with delicious flavor. Let the steaks marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. If refrigerating, bring the steaks back to room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
4. Preheat the Pan: Heat a large cast-iron skillet (or heavy-bottomed skillet) over medium-high heat. The pan needs to be screaming hot before you add the steaks. A hot pan ensures a good sear and prevents the steaks from steaming.
5. Sear the Steaks: Carefully place the marinated steaks in the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness. Avoid moving the steaks around too much during the searing process. Let them develop a nice crust before flipping. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature: 130-135°F for medium-rare, 135-140°F for medium, and 140-145°F for medium-well.
6. Rest the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the skillet and place them on a cutting board. Tent them loosely with foil and let them rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Don’t skip this step!
7. Slice the Steaks: After resting, slice the steaks thinly against the grain. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the steak easier to chew.

Cooking the Pasta:

1. Cook the Pasta: While the steaks are resting, cook the pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Adding salt to the pasta water seasons the pasta from the inside out. Cook until al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian – it should be firm but not crunchy.
2. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will help to create a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta.
3. Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Making the Garlic Cream Sauce:

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet you used to cook the steaks (don’t wash it!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
2. Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If using, pour the dry white wine into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits, called fond, are packed with flavor and will add depth to the sauce. Let the wine simmer for a minute or two, until slightly reduced.
3. Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. The Parmesan cheese will add richness and saltiness to the sauce.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the Parmesan cheese is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and add more as needed.
6. Add Pasta Water (If Needed): If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. The starchy pasta water will help to thin the sauce and create a creamy emulsion.

Assembling the Dish:

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic cream sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Make sure every strand is covered in that delicious creamy goodness!
2. Add the Steak: Gently fold in the sliced steak. Be careful not to overcook the steak at this point. You just want to warm it through.
3. Add Parsley: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. The parsley will add a pop of freshness and color to the dish.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve the Garlic Steak Pasta immediately. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.

Conclusion:

This Garlic Steak Pasta isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the perfectly seared steak to the garlicky, creamy sauce coating every strand of pasta, this dish is guaranteed to impress. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the depth of flavor makes it a must-try for any pasta lover, and honestly, who isn’t a pasta lover? I know I am!

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit. The beauty of it lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different cuts of steak. While I personally love using sirloin for its tenderness and flavor, a ribeye or even a flank steak would work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it’s cooked to your liking.

And don’t be afraid to play around with the pasta! While spaghetti is my go-to, fettuccine or linguine would also be fantastic choices. For a gluten-free option, try using your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce clings to all types of pasta, so you really can’t go wrong.

Looking for some serving suggestions? A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the pasta. Steamed broccoli or asparagus would also add a touch of freshness and color to the plate. And for those who like a little extra kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a delightful warmth.

Want to take it to the next level? Consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor. A handful of fresh spinach wilted into the pasta at the end adds a boost of nutrients and a pop of color. You could even crumble some blue cheese or goat cheese on top for a tangy twist. The possibilities are endless!

I truly believe that this Garlic Steak Pasta will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect dish for a busy weeknight, a special occasion, or simply when you’re craving something delicious and comforting.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavor? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. I’m always eager to see how you make this recipe your own. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear how much you enjoyed this Garlic Steak Pasta!

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July 2, 2025 by Melissa