Garlic Cream Steak Pasta has become my absolute go-to for a weeknight meal that feels incredibly special. I remember the first time I tried making it myself; the aroma of sizzling garlic and tender steak filled my kitchen, and I knew I’d found a winner. The moment you twirl that pasta into the rich, velvety sauce, you’re in for a treat. This creamy garlic steak pasta is so satisfying, and honestly, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up. If you’re looking for an easy garlic steak pasta that will impress everyone, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Cream Steak Pasta
You’re going to adore this garlic steak pasta recipe for so many reasons! It’s incredibly indulgent with its rich, creamy texture that just coats every strand of pasta and tender piece of steak. Plus, it’s a lifesaver on busy nights, coming together in just 35 minutes total, making it a perfect weeknight dinner solution. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that feels gourmet but is surprisingly budget-friendly. The versatility means you can easily add mushrooms or spinach to this garlic steak pasta with parmesan for extra goodness. It’s truly a crowd-pleasing flavor profile, making it an ideal garlic steak pasta for dinner.
Ingredients for Garlic Cream Steak Pasta
Gathering these ingredients is the first step to creating a truly delicious garlic steak pasta. You’ll need 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced; sirloin is great because it cooks quickly and is quite tender. For the pasta, grab 8 oz fettuccine pasta – its width holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, making it perfect for this steak pasta with garlic cream sauce. We’ll use 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing, and for that signature flavor, have 4 cloves garlic, minced ready. The magic happens with 1 cup heavy cream, which gives us that luxurious texture, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for salty depth. For freshness, we have 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. And of course, season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you’re aiming for a different flavor profile, consider a garlic butter steak pasta variation by adding butter alongside the oil.
How to Make Garlic Cream Steak Pasta
Creating this flavorful garlic steak pasta is easier than you might think! We’ll walk through each step to ensure your dinner is a success.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Get your pasta cooking first! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz fettuccine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Step 2: While the pasta boils, prepare the steak. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully add the 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced, in a single layer. You might need to cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which steams the meat instead of searing it. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Step 3: Now for the fragrant garlic! Reduce the heat to medium and add 4 cloves garlic, minced, to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30-60 seconds until it’s incredibly fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it will turn bitter.
- Step 4: Time for the creamy sauce! Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken slightly. This is the base of our luscious steak pasta with garlic cream sauce.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy. This adds a wonderful salty depth to the sauce.
- Step 6: Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the sauce.
- Step 7: Drain the cooked fettuccine, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the steak and sauce.
- Step 8: Toss everything together gently until the pasta and steak are thoroughly coated in the rich steak pasta with garlic cream sauce. If the sauce seems a bit too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Step 9: Season your masterpiece with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 10: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley right before serving this amazing garlic steak pasta.
Tips for Perfecting the Sauce
Achieving that perfect, velvety consistency for your creamy garlic steak pasta sauce is all about a few key things. Make sure your heavy cream is simmering gently, not boiling rapidly, as this can cause it to break. When adding the Parmesan cheese, stir it in off the heat or over very low heat to ensure it melts smoothly without clumping. If your sauce ends up a little too thick, don’t panic! A tablespoon or two of the starchy pasta water you reserved can work wonders to thin it out beautifully and help it cling to the noodles. This simple trick ensures every bite of your easy garlic steak pasta is perfectly coated.
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Steak Pasta
Want to elevate your garlic steak pasta game? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that make all the difference. Always start with good quality steak; sirloin is my favorite for its tenderness and flavor in this dish. Don’t be afraid to season your steak generously before searing – it builds a fantastic flavor base for the whole dish. For an even richer sauce, consider using a mix of heavy cream and a splash of half-and-half. And remember, cooking steak properly is key to avoiding a tough texture in your final garlic steak pasta.
What’s the secret to perfect garlic cream steak pasta?
The real secret to achieving the best garlic steak pasta is creating a good pan sauce. Sautéing the garlic until fragrant, then deglazing the pan with cream and finishing with Parmesan creates a luscious coating that binds everything together beautifully. Don’t rush this part!
Can I make garlic cream steak pasta ahead of time?
You can prepare some components ahead of time for this garlic steak pasta. Cook the pasta and sear the steak a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the steak gently, then proceed with making the sauce and combining everything.
How do I avoid common mistakes with garlic steak pasta?
A common pitfall is overcooking the steak; sear it quickly and remove it from the pan. Another mistake is burning the garlic – cook it just until fragrant. If your sauce becomes too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will thin it out perfectly for this simple garlic steak pasta dish.
Best Ways to Serve Garlic Cream Steak Pasta
This rich and satisfying garlic steak pasta is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions. For a complete and balanced meal, I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed or roasted asparagus also makes a fantastic side. If you’re a fan of pasta shapes, consider making this a garlic steak fettuccine dish – the wider noodles are perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. For a side that complements the Italian-American flavors, some crusty garlic bread is always a winner to sop up any leftover sauce.
Nutrition Facts for Garlic Cream Steak Pasta
This garlic steak pasta recipe delivers a hearty and flavorful meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your creamy garlic steak pasta.
How to Store and Reheat Garlic Cream Steak Pasta
Leftovers of this amazing garlic steak pasta are a real treat, and storing them properly ensures you can enjoy this simple garlic steak pasta dish again later. Once your pasta has cooled down completely – this is important to prevent condensation from making it soggy – transfer it into airtight containers. You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, this dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help revive the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Be patient to get the best results for your reheated creamy garlic steak pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Cream Steak Pasta
What is garlic cream steak pasta?
Garlic cream steak pasta is a rich and comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender pieces of steak and pasta tossed in a decadent sauce made from heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful, perfect for a special weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something indulgent.
Can I make garlic steak pasta with mushrooms?
Absolutely! Adding sautéed mushrooms is a fantastic variation for your garlic steak pasta. Sauté about 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms in the skillet after cooking the steak, before adding the garlic. They’ll soak up all those delicious flavors and add a wonderful earthy depth to the dish, making it even more robust.
What if I want garlic steak pasta no cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter version or want garlic steak pasta no cream, you can create a delicious sauce using a combination of chicken or beef broth, a splash of white wine, and plenty of sautéed garlic. Thicken it slightly with a cornstarch slurry or a bit of butter and flour (roux). You can still add Parmesan cheese for flavor, but it will be a lighter, less rich sauce. It’s a great way to enjoy the garlic and steak flavors without the heavy cream.
How do I keep the steak tender in my garlic steak pasta?
The key to tender steak in your garlic steak pasta is to not overcook it. Slice the steak thinly against the grain before cooking, and sear it quickly in a hot pan for just a couple of minutes per side. Remove it from the pan while it’s still slightly underdone, as it will continue to cook in the warm sauce. This ensures it stays tender and juicy when mixed with the pasta.
Variations of Garlic Cream Steak Pasta You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, there are so many fun ways to switch up this incredible garlic steak pasta! For a burst of freshness and added nutrients, try adding sautéed garlic steak pasta with spinach towards the end of cooking; the wilting leaves add a lovely color and flavor. If you love earthy notes, definitely experiment with garlic steak pasta with mushrooms – sautéed cremini or shiitake mushrooms add a fantastic depth. For a lighter take, consider a lemon-garlic sauce by adding fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of juice to the cream sauce. You could also try a spicy version by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick to your creamy garlic steak pasta.

Garlic Cream Steak Pasta: 35 Min Meal
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and creamy garlic steak pasta recipe, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. This garlic steak pasta dish features tender steak and al dente pasta coated in a rich garlic cream sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced steak to the skillet and cook until browned. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the cooked steak to the skillet.
- Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the steak and sauce.
- Toss everything together until the pasta and steak are well coated in the garlic cream sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving this garlic steak pasta.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use garlic butter steak pasta.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables in your garlic steak pasta.
- If you prefer a garlic steak pasta no cream option, you can use a lighter sauce or omit the cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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