If you are craving a hearty yet indulgent meal that effortlessly combines rich flavors and satisfying textures, this Beef Steak Pasta with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender slices of perfectly seared beef steak nestled atop a bed of al dente pasta, all enveloped in a luscious, velvety Parmesan cream sauce that clings to every bite. This dish brings together simple yet top-quality ingredients to create a cozy, restaurant-worthy experience right in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role to build the harmony of taste, texture, and color. From the juicy beef steak to the creamy Parmesan sauce and tender pasta, every component adds something special that you’ll taste in every bite.
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta: Choose your favorite shape for the perfect pasta base that holds the sauce beautifully.
- Salt for boiling water: Essential to season the pasta as it cooks and enhance overall flavor.
- 8 oz beef steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank): A juicy cut that sears nicely and brings that rich beefy flavor.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: Classic seasoning to elevate the steak’s natural taste.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps achieve that delicious sear on the steak without sticking.
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional): Adds a mild garlic hint to the steak seasoning if you like a little extra depth.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Creates a silky base for the sauce and a subtle richness.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Provides fragrant warmth that infuses the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free): The star of the sauce, it’s what makes this dish decadently creamy.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan: Sharp, nutty, and melty, it brings that signature cheesy flavor.
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Just a touch for a gentle kick to balance the creaminess.
- ½ cup reserved pasta water: Helps loosen the sauce and lets it cling to the pasta perfectly.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, bright note and a beautiful pop of color.
- Extra Parmesan: For sprinkling on top to finish the dish with that irresistible cheesy glow.
How to Make Beef Steak Pasta with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until it’s just al dente — tender but with a slight bite — then scoop out and reserve about half a cup of the cooking water before draining. This pasta water is liquid gold for your sauce as it helps everything meld together seamlessly.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
While the pasta cooks, season your beef steak generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder if you choose. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the steak for about two to three minutes on each side until it forms a beautifully browned crust. Once seared, let the steak rest for a few minutes to lock in those juices before slicing thinly against the grain.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for around 30 seconds until fragrant. Add your heavy cream along with red pepper flakes if you want a little heat, then let the mixture simmer gently for two to three minutes. This step builds the luxurious base for your sauce, infusing garlic and mild spice into the cream.
Step 4: Finish with Parmesan
Now stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, patiently mixing until it melts down into a smooth, creamy sauce. This is the moment where your sauce thickens and becomes irresistibly cheesy — the heart of the Beef Steak Pasta with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe experience.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your drained pasta back into the pan along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything carefully so the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce, letting the sauce and pasta marry beautifully. The pasta water ensures that the sauce clings perfectly without getting too thick or dry.
Step 6: Add the Steak
Gently stir in the sliced steak and warm it for about a minute so those tender beef pieces soak up some of the sauce’s flavor. This finishing touch brings the savory star protein back into the spotlight.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
To finish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan over the top. Serve it immediately while everything is warm and inviting, ready to be enjoyed with a forkful of creamy, meaty goodness.
How to Serve Beef Steak Pasta with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is your go-to garnish for adding brightness and color, but feel free to experiment with chopped chives or a few basil leaves to add an herbal twist. An extra dusting of Parmesan is always welcome for that extra cheesy punch right before serving.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, cutting through the richness of the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread also make fantastic accompaniments, adding variety and texture to this indulgent meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, plate the pasta in individual shallow bowls and arrange the sliced steak pieces artfully on top. Drizzle with a little extra sauce and fresh herbs, and serve with a wedge of lemon on the side for a hint of brightness that guests can squeeze on.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because of the creamy sauce, it’s best enjoyed fresh, but careful storage will keep it delicious for quick meals later.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze perfectly because cream-based sauces can separate when thawed. If you want to save some for later, consider freezing the cooked steak separately without sauce and freshly boiled pasta. Reheat and combine with freshly made sauce when ready.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir frequently to keep the sauce smooth and prevent scorching.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne work beautifully, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer such as rigatoni or even spaghetti. The key is that the pasta holds the creamy sauce well.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to keep it creamy and flavorful while accommodating dairy restrictions.
How do I know when the steak is perfectly cooked?
For this recipe, aim for medium-rare to medium doneness, which means cooking the steak for about 2-3 minutes per side depending on thickness. This timing ensures tenderness and juiciness that pairs best with the creamy sauce.
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
While Parmesan is key to the flavor, you can use other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago as substitutes. They will provide a similar sharpness and richness to the sauce.
Is the garlic powder necessary?
Garlic powder is optional but recommended as it adds depth to the steak’s flavor without overpowering the fresh garlic used in the sauce. If you prefer fresh garlic only, feel free to skip it.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Steak Pasta with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is a true kitchen win that combines simple ingredients into an unforgettable dish. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or want to impress friends, it delivers comfort and elegance in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own classic go-to meal.
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Beef Steak Pasta with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Beef Steak Pasta recipe combines perfectly seared steak with creamy Parmesan sauce and al dente pasta for a comforting and elegant meal. Ideal for a quick yet impressive dinner, it features tender slices of steak tossed with fettuccine or penne in a rich, garlicky cream sauce enhanced with fresh parsley and a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- Salt for boiling water
Steak
- 8 oz beef steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water to use later in the sauce, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Sear Steak: Season the steak evenly on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side to develop a nice crust. Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Finish Sauce: Stir the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the cream sauce, mixing continuously until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet with the sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly. Toss everything together gently to combine.
- Add Steak: Fold the sliced steak into the pasta and sauce mixture, and warm it through for about 1 minute over low heat, ensuring the steak stays tender and juicy.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Choose ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak depending on your preference and budget.
- Resting the steak after searing helps retain juices and makes slicing easier.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your tolerance for spice.
- Reserved pasta water adds starch to the sauce, helping it cling better to the pasta.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer before adding Parmesan.
