1. Introduction
Craving a satisfying meal that brings together juicy steak and creamy pasta in one irresistible dish? This garlic butter beef steak & pasta recipe delivers on all fronts — it’s bold, rich, and surprisingly easy to make. Think of tender steak cubes seared to perfection, then smothered in buttery garlic goodness, nestled atop a bed of pasta bathed in a creamy Alfredo sauce.
Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive date-night meal, this recipe blends the heartiness of beef with the indulgence of a cheese-laden pasta. Its flavor profile appeals to lovers of both steakhouse classics and creamy comfort food.
In fact, this recipe follows the rising popularity of dishes like garlic butter steak bites and creamy parmesan pasta seen on trending food blogs such as SimplyRecipes and Bad Batch Baking. The best part? It’s done in just over 30 minutes!
2. What Makes This Recipe Special
Unlike your usual steak or pasta dishes, this recipe fuses both worlds into a flavor-packed powerhouse. It’s not just about throwing steak on pasta — every element is carefully crafted to maximize flavor and texture. The steak is seasoned and seared until a golden-brown crust forms, then finished with garlic-infused butter for extra depth.
What elevates this dish even more is the luscious, homemade Alfredo sauce. Instead of relying on store-bought options, you simmer heavy cream and whisk in freshly grated Parmesan, resulting in a silky, cheese-forward sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta shells. It’s comforting, creamy, and rich without being heavy.
According to Bad Batch Baking and SimplyRecipes, combining garlic butter steak with creamy pasta is more than just indulgent — it’s a crowd-pleasing sensation. The contrasting textures (tender meat vs. smooth sauce) and balanced seasoning make this dish an instant favorite for families and foodies alike.
3. Ingredients Breakdown
To make this dish truly shine, ingredient quality matters — here’s what to know:
- Beef
Choose tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin for optimal sear and juiciness. These cuts are flavorful yet easy to cook quickly. Avoid overly lean cuts, which may turn dry. - Butter & Garlic
Use unsalted butter to control seasoning. Fresh minced garlic is key — skip the jarred stuff! For a richer taste, consider making a simple garlic compound butter, as suggested by SimplyRecipes, blending softened butter with minced garlic and parsley. - Dairy
Use heavy cream for that classic Alfredo texture. Combine it with freshly grated Parmesan (not pre-shredded) to ensure a creamy melt and authentic flavor. The sauce is a nod to traditional Fettuccine Alfredo, whose origin story you can read on Wikipedia. - Pasta
Pasta shells work great here because they capture the sauce in their curves. Alternatives like penne or rotini also work. According to Barkil.com, pasta shape matters more than you’d think when it comes to holding creamy sauces. - Seasonings & Herbs
A simple mix of salt, pepper, and freshly chopped parsley brings the steak to life. You can boost flavor with a dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of Cajun seasoning, as noted by both SimplyRecipes and Barkil.
4. Step‑by‑Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps to bring your garlic butter steak & pasta to life:
- Season the steak bites
- Cube your steak and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Season generously with salt and pepper. Let it sit while you prep the rest.
- Sear the steak
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and let it foam.
- Add steak bites in a single layer — don’t overcrowd!
- Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Use tips from SimplyRecipes to avoid steaming the meat.
- Make the garlic butter
- In the same pan, melt remaining butter and add minced garlic.
- Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (not browned!). Toss the steak back in to coat.
- Cook pasta
- In a pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- Prepare Alfredo sauce
- In a saucepan, heat cream over medium until it simmers.
- Slowly whisk in Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Combine & serve
- Toss cooked pasta into Alfredo sauce until well coated.
- Plate the pasta, then top with garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with parsley.
- Optional finish
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
6. Expert Tips for Best Garlic Butter Beef Steak & Pasta Results
To truly master garlic butter beef steak & pasta, it’s all about technique. A few small changes can transform your dish from good to restaurant-quality.
- Steak success starts before the pan: Pat the steak cubes dry to help achieve a proper sear. Use a high-smoke point oil like avocado or grapeseed oil when searing before adding butter. Most importantly, avoid overcrowding the pan — this helps develop that signature golden crust. Let the steak rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to keep the juices inside. As suggested on Bad Batch Baking and reinforced by home cooks on Reddit, these steps make a huge difference in texture.
- Garlic matters: Always use fresh minced garlic. Sauté it just until fragrant — no longer — or it may become bitter. Properly timing your garlic adds rich flavor without overpowering.
- Sauce tricks: If your Alfredo gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water and whisk gently to revive its creaminess. Tips from Savory Splash and Barkil prove this keeps the dish from feeling heavy.
- Plating makes a difference: Neatly swirl the pasta, pile the steak on top, and finish with parsley and a dusting of Parmesan — just like in RecipesByClare or 12Tomatoes.
7. Nutrition & Calorie Overview
One serving of garlic butter beef steak & pasta averages around 600–650 calories. This includes calories from the butter, cream, pasta, and steak, making it a hearty, satisfying meal. The dish is rich in protein and fats, with moderate carbohydrates. According to Wikipedia’s Alfredo sauce profile, the sauce alone contributes a significant portion of these calories due to its dairy base.
For a lighter version:
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Choose leaner steak cuts like sirloin tip or flank.
- Swap in whole-grain or veggie-based pasta.
- Add sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli to boost fiber and volume.
These adjustments can help maintain flavor while cutting down on fat and calories. Plus, adding vegetables stretches the recipe to serve more while still feeling indulgent.
8. Storage & Reheating Tips
For best results, store components of your garlic butter steak and pasta separately. Steak cubes can become rubbery if left sitting in sauce too long. According to Food Lion, it’s best to keep the pasta and Alfredo sauce in an airtight container, and the steak bites in another.
When it’s time to reheat:
- Gently warm the pasta and sauce on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to help restore the sauce’s silky consistency.
- For the steak, reheat quickly in a hot skillet to bring back its seared edges without overcooking.
Sites like RecipesSmile and Skinny Spatula suggest skipping the microwave if possible, especially for steak, to maintain texture and flavor.
This method keeps leftovers just as delicious as the first night — maybe even better as flavors meld.
9. Serve-With Suggestions
Garlic butter beef steak and pasta is a full meal, but the right sides and drinks can elevate it even more. Try these classic pairings:
- Sides:
- Garlic bread or cheesy pull-apart rolls
- A fresh green salad with balsamic or lemon vinaigrette
- Lightly steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli
- Wine pairings:
- For red: Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot offer a deep complement to the steak.
- For white: A buttery Chardonnay enhances the creamy sauce. As Savory Splash recommends, match richness with balance.
These pairings round out the meal for dinner-party-worthy results.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best steak cut for this recipe?
Tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin are ideal. They sear quickly and stay juicy. Avoid lean cuts like round steak, which can dry out.
Can I use low-fat cream or milk?
Yes, but be aware: the sauce won’t be as rich. Use half-and-half or add a bit of cornstarch slurry to thicken if needed.
How can I thicken the sauce without heavy cream?
Whisk in some cream cheese, a butter-flour roux, or use grated Parmesan for body. Pasta water can also help emulsify the sauce and cling to the noodles.
What pasta types work besides shells?
Penne, rigatoni, and fettuccine are all great options. You want something with crevices or flat surfaces to hold the sauce.
Is it meal-prep friendly?
Definitely. Just store the steak and pasta separately. Reheat the sauce gently and the steak quickly. It’s great for prepping in bulk and enjoying over a couple of days.
These common questions help troubleshoot the recipe before you even get started, ensuring your dish turns out perfect every time.
11. Conclusion
In just one skillet and a single pot, this garlic butter beef steak & pasta brings together rich, buttery flavors and creamy indulgence for a dinner that’s both impressive and approachable. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or cooking for a loved one, this recipe hits all the right notes — savory, creamy, tender, and bold.
Its beauty lies in its versatility — switch up proteins, use different herbs, lighten the sauce, or bulk it up with veggies. The base is solid, and your creativity makes it shine.
Tried it already? Leave a comment below with your twist! And don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us on social media — we love seeing your delicious creations. Share this with friends looking for a quick, gourmet-style dinner that feels like a treat every time.
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Garlic Butter Beef Steak & Pasta: A Weeknight Dinner Dream
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A savory, creamy dish made with tender garlic butter steak cubes served over rich Alfredo-coated pasta shells. Perfect for weeknights or date night!
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef steak, cut into small cubes
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb pasta shells
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season steak cubes with salt and pepper in a bowl and set aside.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, add garlic, and sauté for 1–2 minutes.
- Add steak bites and cook 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Boil pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, heat heavy cream until it simmers. Stir in Parmesan and whisk until smooth.
- Add pasta to the sauce and mix to coat evenly.
- Top the creamy pasta with cooked steak bites and garnish with parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use sirloin or ribeye for tender, juicy steak bites.
- Fresh garlic enhances flavor better than pre-minced.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with smoked paprika or chili flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: garlic butter steak pasta, creamy beef pasta, steak alfredo, weeknight dinner recipe
