If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dish that combines savory steak with creamy garlic parmesan sauce, look no further than this Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta recipe. It’s not only a delight for your taste buds but also an easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. The robust flavors of garlic butter steak paired with the rich, cheesy sauce make this a sure winner for family dinners or a cozy night in. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and explore how to create this mouthwatering dish step by step!

Ingredients

• Pasta:
  • 8 ounces fettuccine or your choice of pasta, such as penne or spaghetti, which can also hold the sauce well. Opt for fresh pasta if available, as it tends to have a more delicate texture and cooks faster than dried pasta.
• Steak:
  • 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness. Ensure the steak is fresh and of high quality for the best flavor and texture.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste, preferably freshly cracked for enhanced flavor. A mix of kosher salt and fresh black pepper can elevate the taste.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin for a richer taste. This oil adds depth to the dish and helps achieve a nice sear on the steak.
• Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons butter, unsalted for better control over salt levels. Using unsalted butter allows you to manage the seasoning of the dish more effectively.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced, which should yield about 1 tablespoon when minced for a robust flavor. Fresh garlic will provide a stronger, more aromatic taste compared to pre-minced options.
  • 1 cup heavy cream, providing a luscious texture and creaminess to the sauce. Light cream can be used, but it won’t yield the same richness.
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, use quality cheese for the best melting properties. Avoid pre-grated cheese as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, a blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme. This seasoning lifts the sauce’s flavor profile and adds aromatic notes.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste, ensuring a well-rounded flavor profile. Adjust based on your preference after tasting the sauce.
• Toppings:
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish), which adds a pop of color and freshness to the final dish. Consider using Italian flat-leaf parsley for a more robust flavor.
  • Additional Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, for serving to enhance the cheesy experience. A sprinkle of cheese just before serving can make the dish visually appealing.

Steps / Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes, tasting a piece to ensure it maintains a slight bite. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water, which is essential for adjusting the sauce consistency later. This reserved water contains starch that helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
2. Prepare the Steak: While the pasta cooks, season the sliced steak generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, indicating it’s hot enough to sear. Once hot, add the steak in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until browned. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, ideally medium-rare for tenderness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside, allowing it to rest briefly. Resting the steak ensures it retains its juices when sliced.
3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously, and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while also thickening slightly.
4. Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. This process should take about 2-3 minutes. Adding the cheese slowly helps prevent clumping. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency, ensuring it clings well to the pasta for that rich, creamy texture.
5. Combine Pasta and Steak: Add the cooked pasta and steak to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just to warm everything through and allow the flavors to integrate, ensuring each strand of pasta is luxuriously coated in the sauce. A gentle toss ensures all ingredients are well distributed.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture. The visual appeal of the garnished dish will excite your guests and family. Enjoy your Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta with a smile!

Tips & Tricks

• Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality steak for the best flavor. Flank or sirloin are excellent choices as they are tender and flavorful, especially when sliced thinly. Consider marbling in the meat for an extra juicy outcome. Always choose steaks that are bright red in color and have a good amount of fat for enhanced flavor.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Simply reheat it gently before adding the pasta and steak, ensuring you stir well to rejuvenate the creamy texture. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining guests.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce and prevent it from separating. Be mindful to stir continuously while reheating to maintain a smooth consistency.
• Avoid Common Mistakes: Be cautious not to overcook the steak. It should be seared nicely while remaining juicy and tender. Also, avoid adding the cheese too quickly; gradually whisking helps it incorporate smoothly into the sauce. Lastly, always taste and adjust seasoning as necessary before serving to ensure full flavor.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute steak with sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version. Consider using portobello mushrooms for a meaty texture while maintaining the dish’s integrity.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta such as brown rice or chickpea pasta to accommodate dietary needs while ensuring it holds the sauce well. Always check for gluten-free certification if you have severe allergies.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or some sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor. Fresh basil or spinach can also be incorporated for a fresh twist to balance the richness of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta with a side of garlic bread for the perfect complement to the creamy sauce. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta beautifully, adding acidity and crunch. For beverages, consider a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate. You can learn more about this topic and find additional inspiration for your meal pairings.

Print

Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta

Recipe by Laila

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 4 +

⏱️

Prep Time

15 min

🍳

Cook Time

30 min

🔥

Calories

620 kcal

A hearty, comforting dish that combines savory steak with creamy garlic parmesan sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Cook Mode Keep the screen of your device on

Start cooking

Ingredients

US Metric

• 8 ounces fettuccine or your choice of pasta
• 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Additional Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (for serving)

Directions

1.

Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes, tasting a piece to ensure it maintains a slight bite. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.

2.

Prepare the Steak: While the pasta cooks, season the sliced steak generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until browned. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the steak is cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

3.

Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously, and bring to a gentle simmer.

4.

Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

5.

Combine Pasta and Steak: Add the cooked pasta and steak to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

6.

Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 620 kcal