Introduction
There’s something about the combination of juicy, tender steak and creamy pasta that makes every bite feel indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a flavorful meal, steak pasta hits all the right notes. The tender steak adds a savory depth to the pasta, while the creamy sauce ties everything together in a rich, comforting way. This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s also versatile. You can customize it based on your preferences and experiment with different pasta types or add extra ingredients like vegetables for a twist.
What makes steak pasta even more appealing is its simplicity. With a few quality ingredients and just a few easy steps, you can whip up this dish in no time. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook looking for a quick meal to impress, this steak pasta recipe is foolproof. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home, yet fancy enough to serve to guests. Plus, the creamy sauce is incredibly satisfying, ensuring that every bite will leave you wanting more. So let’s dive into the details and get started with making your very own steak pasta masterpiece.
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients for this steak pasta recipe are simple but flavorful. You won’t need any exotic spices or hard-to-find items—just fresh, quality ingredients. This combination ensures that every element of the dish shines through.
Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
| Ingredients | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Steak (sirloin or ribeye) | 2 steaks (6 oz each) | 400 calories |
| Pasta (penne or fettuccine) | 8 oz | 280 calories |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | 240 calories |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | 10 calories |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | 800 calories |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup | 220 calories |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | 0 calories |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 2 tablespoons | 2 calories |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | 1/2 tsp | 5 calories |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons | 200 calories |
Total Calories per Serving: Approximately 580 calories (for 2 servings).
These ingredients create a balanced dish with rich flavors, creamy textures, and a hearty steak presence. The creaminess from the heavy cream and Parmesan blends perfectly with the savory steak and tender pasta, giving you a dish that’s satisfying from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by seasoning your steaks generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steaks to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side for a medium-rare steak, or longer if you prefer it cooked more. After the steaks are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the skillet and set them aside to rest. Resting the meat ensures it stays juicy and tender.
While the steak is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. For penne, it will usually take around 9-11 minutes for al dente pasta. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but be sure to save about a cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce later.
In the same skillet you used for cooking the steak, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic can become bitter. Once the garlic is aromatic, pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow the cream to cook for about 5 minutes, thickening as it simmers.
While the sauce is simmering, slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips. Once the cream has thickened slightly, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat it evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Now that the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt into the sauce, giving it a rich, velvety texture. Sprinkle some red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat) and toss in the chopped parsley. Continue to toss everything together until the cheese has melted and everything is well combined.
Serve the steak pasta immediately. Top with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley for garnish, and enjoy this delicious, indulgent dish.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
While this steak pasta recipe is fantastic as-is, there are plenty of ways to tweak it to suit your taste. Here are some ideas:
If you prefer a different cut of steak, you can try flank steak, tenderloin, or even New York strip. Just make sure to cook it according to your desired doneness.
You’re not limited to just penne or fettuccine. Rigatoni, spaghetti, or even farfalle would work wonderfully with this creamy sauce.
If you’d like to incorporate some veggies, consider adding sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. These ingredients add flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
If you enjoy a little spice, try adding more red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
For a lighter dish, you can swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or even milk. You can also reduce the amount of butter and cheese.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information for one serving of steak pasta, based on the ingredients listed above:
Calories: 580 kcal
Protein: 34g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 650mg
Calcium: 250mg
Iron: 3mg
This dish is rich in protein from the steak and pasta, as well as healthy fats from the olive oil and cream. The Parmesan cheese also provides a good amount of calcium, making it a hearty, satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
Steak pasta is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking for additional sides, here are some ideas:
A light, crisp salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette would balance the richness of the pasta.
Serve the pasta with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots for added texture and nutrition.
For a comforting touch, pair your steak pasta with warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette. The bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
A glass of bold red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Malbec, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of steak and creamy pasta.
Conclusion
This steak pasta recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s simple to make yet feels special. The combination of tender steak, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. With a few easy steps and basic ingredients, you can bring a restaurant-quality dish to your home kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Customize it with your favorite additions or keep it classic—the choice is yours. Enjoy the rich flavors, creamy sauce, and tender steak that make this dish an absolute winner.