Get ready to fall head over heels for Creamy Steak Pasta—a dish that wraps up all the richness of perfectly seared steak in an irresistibly luscious, garlic-scented cream sauce. Every forkful is a celebration of tender beef, silky-smooth pasta, and a sauce that clings lovingly to each bite. This is comfort food at its most luxurious, but happily, it’s easy enough for any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Steakhouse Flavor, Weeknight Effort: Satisfy a steak craving and a pasta hankering—all in under 40 minutes and with easy steps.
- Velvety Cream Sauce: The sauce hugs every strand of pasta, enriched with garlic, parmesan, and just enough chicken stock for depth—not heaviness.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters light up at the table when steak meets cream and pasta.
- Flexible & Customizable: Swap in your favorite herbs, cut of steak, or even your preferred pasta shape—make this Creamy Steak Pasta truly your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love how every ingredient in Creamy Steak Pasta has a clear job—bringing flavor, richness, or color to the party. Most are pantry staples, but together, they create a dish that feels anything but ordinary.
- Rump Steaks: This cut is juicy yet lean, offering plenty of beefy flavor without being overly fatty—perfect for slicing over pasta.
- Olive Oil: Helps sear the steak to a deep, savory crust so you get that irresistible golden edge.
- Salt and Pepper: Don’t skimp—these two are the simplest way to bring out the steak’s natural flavor.
- Butter: Used for basting the steak and building that beautiful cream sauce; adds richness and a glossy finish.
- Garlic: Both in the steak and the sauce, infuses the dish with all its mellow, aromatic goodness.
- Rosemary Sprig: Lends a subtle, herby note to the steak as it cooks (feel free to swap for thyme if you prefer).
- Pasta: Use your favorite shape—penne, fusilli, or classic spaghetti all work; they soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Italian Seasoning: A handy shortcut to big flavor, combining basil, oregano, and other herbs.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Stock: Loosens the sauce without making it heavy, and lets the creamy flavors shine.
- Heavy Cream: The backbone of the sauce, making everything lush and silky.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh if you can—it melts into the sauce for that signature nutty, salty tang.
- Fresh Parsley: Brightens up the whole dish, adding fresh color and lift right before serving.
Variations
This Creamy Steak Pasta recipe is a blank canvas for creativity! Whether you’re craving bold spice, going low-carb, or just working with what’s already on hand, it’s so easy to adapt to your taste and dietary needs.
- Switch Up the Steak: Try ribeye, sirloin, or even flank steak for a different flavor and texture profile.
- Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
- Go Lighter: Sub half-and-half or evaporated milk for cream, or use Greek yogurt stirred in at the end for a tangy twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly without any major changes.
How to Make Creamy Steak Pasta
Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak
Generously sprinkle your rump steaks with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat—get it nice and hot so you’ll sear in all those tasty juices. Cook the steaks for 3–4 minutes per side, resisting the urge to fuss with them so you develop a beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Baste with Butter, Garlic, and Rosemary
Turn down the heat a notch and add the butter, chopped garlic, and rosemary sprig right into the pan. Tilt the pan and spoon those melted, garlicky butters over the steaks for extra flavor. Once cooked to your preferred doneness, set the steaks aside to rest—this keeps the juices locked in.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
In plenty of salted boiling water, cook your chosen pasta until perfectly al dente (check your package instructions and taste-test at the end). Before draining, reserve a cup or so of that starchy cooking water—this will rescue your sauce if it gets too thick later.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Melt butter in the same skillet you used for the steak (hello, extra meaty flavor!). Sauté the remaining garlic for a minute, then add Italian seasoning and pour in the chicken stock. Let it gently bubble away for a couple minutes to concentrate those aromatic flavors.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Pour the heavy cream into the pan and cook for another few minutes, letting it simmer until the sauce is just starting to thicken. Stir in grated parmesan until it melts into velvet, then add your drained pasta and sliced steak. A splash of reserved pasta water is your best friend here if things look dry!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Scatter in fresh parsley, give everything a good toss, and season with more salt and cracked pepper to taste. Serve up your Creamy Steak Pasta right away, topped with extra parmesan and maybe a drizzle of that herby butter from the steak pan. Absolute magic.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Steak Pasta
- Let the Steak Rest: Don’t skip the resting step—allowing the steak to sit for 5 minutes before slicing ensures every bite stays juicy and tender.
- Grate Parmesan Fresh: Skip the pre-shredded cheese if you can—grating your parmesan just before stirring into the sauce guarantees perfect melting and rich flavor.
- Use the Steak Pan for Extra Flavor: Making your sauce in the same skillet you cooked the steak means you pick up all those delicious browned bits—don’t let them go to waste!
- Pasta Water Magic: A splash of reserved pasta water transforms your sauce if it’s too thick, keeping everything glossy and luscious instead of dry.
How to Serve Creamy Steak Pasta
Garnishes
Top your Creamy Steak Pasta with an extra snowfall of grated parmesan, more fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. If you love a bit of zing, a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving works wonders too.
Side Dishes
For the ideal meal, pair this pasta with a simple green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette, or some blistered broccolini. You can’t go wrong with warm garlic bread—perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Creamy Steak Pasta family-style in a big shallow bowl with steak slices fanned on top, or get a little fancy and twirl individual portions onto plates with extra sauce over each pile. For a dinner party, garnish with sprigs of rosemary or edible flowers for a bit of wow-factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Creamy Steak Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce stays creamy (thanks, heavy cream!), and the flavors infuse even more as it sits, making lunch the next day a real treat.
Freezing
Cream-based sauces can separate after freezing, but you can freeze portions of this pasta for up to a month if needed. Thaw gently overnight in the fridge, and expect to add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to bring everything back together.
Reheating
Reheat Creamy Steak Pasta gently on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water or cream to loosen the sauce. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works well too—just use short bursts and stir often to keep the sauce from getting too thick or breaking.
FAQs
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What other cuts of steak can I use for Creamy Steak Pasta?
Ribeye, sirloin, or even flank steak are all delicious options. Just adjust cooking time according to thickness and make sure to slice the steak thinly against the grain for tenderness.
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Can I make this Creamy Steak Pasta ahead of time?
This dish tastes best freshly made, but you can prepare the steak and sauce in advance. When ready to serve, quickly cook the pasta, warm everything together, and add a little extra cream or pasta water as you reheat.
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Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or use evaporated milk, and use a leaner cut of steak. You can also load up the dish with extra veggies for more volume and nutrition.
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What’s the best way to keep the sauce from getting too thick?
Be sure to reserve a cup or two of pasta cooking water before draining. If the sauce turns out thicker than you like, stir in some of this starchy water until it’s glossy and perfect again.
Final Thoughts
Whether you need a cozy weeknight dinner or something a little special, Creamy Steak Pasta is the answer every single time. It’s the kind of recipe that invites everyone to gather around the table, ready for seconds. Go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones to a plate of pure comfort with this crowd-pleasing favorite!
PrintCreamy Steak Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
Indulge in a decadent and rich Creamy Steak Pasta that combines perfectly seared rump steaks with a luscious, creamy sauce over al dente pasta. This dish is sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
For the steak:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 rump steaks (about 1 lb / 450 g total)
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 sprig rosemary
For the pasta:
- 8 oz (250 g) pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream
- 1/3 cup Parmesan, grated
- A handful of fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season and cook the steak: Generously season rump steaks with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil over high heat, adding butter, garlic, and rosemary. Cook to desired doneness.
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve pasta water.
- Prepare the sauce: Melt butter in a skillet, sauté garlic, add Italian seasoning, chicken stock, and heavy cream. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and serve: Add cooked pasta and sliced steak to the sauce. Stir in Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 565
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 497mg
- Fat: 44g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 141mg