Creamy Steak Pasta: Restaurant Quality at Home

Craving a restaurant-worthy meal without the restaurant prices? This Creamy Steak Pasta recipe is the answer! Tender, perfectly seared steak combines with al dente pasta and a rich, flavorful cream sauce for a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. Forget tough, chewy steak pasta – this recipe unlocks the secret to achieving steakhouse quality right in your own kitchen. Get ready for a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Steak Pasta

This isn’t just another pasta recipe; it’s a complete culinary experience! Here’s why you’ll be adding this creamy steak pasta to your regular rotation:

• Perfectly Cooked Steak: No more tough steak! This recipe provides foolproof tips for achieving tender, juicy steak every time.
• Rich and Creamy Sauce: The homemade cream sauce is unbelievably flavorful and coats every strand of pasta beautifully.
• Quick and Easy: Despite its gourmet flavor, this dish comes together surprisingly quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the level of spice.
• Restaurant Quality: Impress your family and friends with a dish that tastes like it came straight from a high-end restaurant.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Creamy Steak Pasta

Let’s talk ingredients! The key to a truly outstanding creamy steak pasta lies in using high-quality components. We’re aiming for a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, starting with perfectly seared steak and culminating in a luscious, creamy sauce. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

The Foundation:

• 1 pound penne pasta: Penne’s ridges are excellent for capturing the creamy sauce. Feel free to substitute with rigatoni or another short, tubular pasta if you prefer.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: We’ll use olive oil for searing the steak and sautéing the aromatics. Choose a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.

The Star of the Show:

• 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes: Sirloin is a great choice because it’s relatively lean and cooks quickly. Cutting it into cubes ensures even cooking and maximum surface area for that delicious sear. Patting the steak dry is crucial for achieving a good sear, as excess moisture will steam the steak instead of browning it.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt & 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Simple seasoning, but essential. Don’t be shy with the salt – it enhances the flavor of the steak.

Flavor Builders:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Onion forms the base of our sauce, adding sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must for almost any savory dish! Add it towards the end of sautéing the onion to prevent it from burning.

The Creamy Dream:

• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Chicken broth adds moisture and helps to deglaze the pan, lifting up all those flavorful browned bits.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Heavy cream is what makes this sauce so rich and decadent. There really isn’t a good substitute for it, so don’t skimp!
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, umami richness to the sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting.

The Finishing Touches:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the dish and adds a touch of freshness.
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to your preference.

Crafting Your Creamy Steak Pasta: Step-by-Step

Ready to bring this creamy steak pasta to life? Don’t be intimidated – this recipe is easier than you think! The key is to pay attention to the details, especially when searing the steak. Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be enjoying a restaurant-quality meal in no time.

1. Cook the pasta: Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions. Make sure to salt the water generously – this is your chance to season the pasta from the inside out! Cook until al dente, meaning it’s still slightly firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Reserving about ½ cup of pasta water is a great idea in case the sauce needs to be thinned out later.
2. Sear the steak: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a skillet large enough to accommodate the steak in a single layer. A cast-iron skillet works particularly well for searing.
3. Prep the steak: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. This is absolutely crucial for getting a good sear! Excess moisture will prevent the steak from browning properly. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper.
4. Sear the steak (continued): Add the steak to the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and cause the steak to steam instead of sear. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned but still slightly pink inside. The goal is to develop a nice crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
5. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
6. Create the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits, also known as fond, are packed with flavor and will add depth to the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and seared steak to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. Make sure the pasta and steak are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
8. Finish and serve: Stir in the chopped parsley and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Steak Pasta Every Time

Want to elevate your creamy steak pasta to the next level? Here are a few pro tips and variations to ensure a perfect dish every time:

• Don’t Overcook the Steak: This is the most important tip! Overcooked steak will be tough and chewy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients will always result in a better-tasting dish. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs whenever possible.
• Salt Your Pasta Water: As mentioned earlier, salting the pasta water is crucial for seasoning the pasta from the inside out. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water.
• Deglaze the Pan Properly: Deglazing the pan is essential for capturing all those flavorful browned bits. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up the fond from the bottom of the skillet.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, continue to simmer it until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this dish. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach would all be delicious additions.
• Spice it Up: For an extra kick, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• If you are looking for something to pair with this creamy pasta dish, take a look at our recipe for golden rice pilaf for a simple, complementary side.

What to Serve With Creamy Steak Pasta

Creamy Steak Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish on its own, but it pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, some roasted vegetables, or a crusty loaf of bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. For dessert, something light and refreshing would be a perfect complement. Or, if you’re feeling chocolatey, take a look at our decadent chocolate topped cream cake recipe!

Your Creamy Steak Pasta Questions Answered (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of steak?

Yes, you can! While sirloin is a great option, you can also use other cuts of steak such as ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon. Keep in mind that different cuts of steak will have different levels of tenderness and fat content. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free pasta. There are many excellent gluten-free pasta options available these days. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this dish is best served immediately, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time. You can cook the pasta and sear the steak in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the steak and pasta and combine them with the sauce. However, be aware that the steak may not be as tender if reheated.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. The sauce may thicken upon refrigeration, so you may need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out when reheating.

My sauce is too thick/thin. How do I fix it?

If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water, milk, or broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, continue to simmer it over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) to help thicken the sauce, adding it gradually until you get the desired consistency. Be sure to bring the sauce to a simmer after adding the slurry to activate the cornstarch.

Enjoy Your Homemade Creamy Steak Pasta!

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for creamy steak pasta that’s guaranteed to impress! This dish is perfect for a romantic date night, a special family dinner, or even a satisfying weeknight meal. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your own home. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out! And if you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family!