If you are looking for a dish that perfectly balances rich, creamy flavors with the hearty satisfaction of tender steak and pasta, then this Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. It is a total crowd-pleaser and surprisingly simple to make, combining juicy, perfectly seared steak with a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce that clings to every bite of penne. Fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of green chile give it a vibrant pop of color and an unexpected depth of flavor that will absolutely delight your taste buds. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite weeknight meals or impressive dishes for guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is all in the quality and simplicity of the ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, giving the dish its luscious texture, bold flavor, and beautiful appearance. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- 12 oz penne pasta: A sturdy shape that holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 lb flat iron steak, ribeye, or sirloin: Choose your favorite cut for rich, tender meat flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for searing the steak to a perfect crust.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the best flavors in the steak and sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps build the creamy garlic sauce.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch or 1 tablespoon flour: For thickening the sauce without lumps.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: The star ingredient for that bright, aromatic garlic punch.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth without overpowering the creaminess.
- ½ cup milk: Keeps the sauce silky and smooth.
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey texture.
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese: Offers sharp, salty flavor that enhances the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For perfect seasoning adjustments.
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes: Brings a tangy sweetness that balances the sauce.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Adds vibrant green color and fresh earthiness.
- ¼ cup roasted, peeled, chopped green chile: Introduces a subtle kick and smoky warmth.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: A fresh herbaceous finish that brightens the dish.
- Red pepper flakes for garnish: Optional, for those who love a little extra heat.
How to Make Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente; this will ensure that each bite has a satisfying texture that isn’t mushy. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you move on to the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Season both sides of your chosen steak generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil shimmers with heat, carefully place the steak in the pan. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes per side, depending on thickness and your preferred doneness. The goal is a beautifully browned crust on the outside with a juicy, tender interior. Remove the steak and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant and lightly golden—this delicate step brings out the full garlic flavor without any bitterness. Next, whisk in the cornstarch or flour to create a smooth paste that will thicken the sauce. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens to a luscious cream consistency. Stir in the mozzarella and parmesan cheese along with salt and pepper, allowing the cheeses to melt perfectly into the sauce for that irresistible gooey texture.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce, tossing to coat every piece lovingly. Then fold in the sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and chopped green chile. Allow the spinach to wilt slightly and everything to heat through for 2 to 4 minutes. Finally, add the sliced steak back into the pan, stirring gently to combine all those wonderful flavors.
How to Serve Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches matter! Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish to add a fresh, herbaceous note and a lovely pop of green color. If you enjoy some heat, a light dusting of red pepper flakes will beautifully complement the green chile and creamy garlic sauce without overwhelming the palate.
Side Dishes
This dish is so hearty and flavorful it can stand alone, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are also absolute winners, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated dinner party vibe, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls and top with a few thin slices of steak fanned out like a work of art. Adding a small drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few curls of fresh parmesan on top creates a restaurant-worthy look that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your irresistible steak pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to mingle even more, making the next meal just as tasty.
Freezing
While the sauce’s texture is best fresh, you can freeze the cooked steak and pasta mixture if necessary. Place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to 2 months. To avoid a watery sauce after thawing, consider freezing the pasta and steak separately from the sauce if possible.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low-medium heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or broth to re-loosen the creamy garlic sauce. This keeps the pasta from drying out and restores that fresh-made richness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully to catch the creamy sauce, other pasta shapes like fettuccine, rigatoni, or farfalle would also be delicious. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure al dente texture.
What cut of steak is best for this pasta?
Flat iron, ribeye, or sirloin are ideal because they’re flavorful and tender when cooked quickly. However, you can experiment with other steaks you prefer—just keep an eye on doneness to avoid toughness.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
You can modify the sauce using plant-based milk alternatives and dairy-free cheese substitutes, but keep in mind it will change the creamy texture and flavor somewhat. Using full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast can help mimic creaminess and cheesy notes.
Is this recipe spicy? How can I adjust the heat?
The roasted green chile adds a gentle warmth, but the dish is not overly spicy. You can omit the chile or reduce the red pepper flakes if you prefer mild flavors, or add extra chili for more heat — tailor it to your taste!
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?
Yes! You can cook the pasta and steak ahead of time and prepare the sauce later. Reheat and combine everything shortly before serving for fresh flavors and a stress-free dinner hosting experience.
Final Thoughts
This Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is a true celebration of comforting, luxurious flavors that come together in a surprisingly simple way. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something special or for impressing friends without hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it has such a special place in my recipe collection, and I’m confident it will in yours too!
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Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce combines tender, juicy flat iron steak with al dente penne pasta, smothered in a rich, cheesy garlic cream sauce infused with sundried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and green chiles. Perfectly seasoned and garnished with parsley and red pepper flakes, this hearty dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal flavorful meal for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Steak
- 1 lb flat iron steak (or ribeye or sirloin)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp cornstarch or 1 tbsp flour
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ¼ cup roasted, peeled, and chopped green chile (can use canned)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Steak: Season both sides of the steak generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, and let it heat until shimmering. Cook the steak for 2-4 minutes on each side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Make Cream Sauce: In the same skillet or a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Whisk in the cornstarch or flour until fully dissolved to form a roux. Gradually stir in chicken broth and milk, continuing to whisk to prevent lumps. Allow the sauce to thicken over a few minutes. Add mozzarella and parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Slice the rested steak into thin strips. Add the cooked pasta, sliced steak, sundried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and chopped green chile into the creamy sauce. Stir and cook together for 2-4 minutes until spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the steak pasta to serving plates. Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes for a touch of freshness and heat. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use any cut of steak you prefer, such as ribeye or sirloin, for different flavor profiles.
- If you want a spicier dish, increase the amount of green chile or add extra red pepper flakes.
- For a creamier sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
- Make sure to let the steak rest a few minutes after cooking to retain juices.
- You can prepare the sauce and pasta ahead of time; just add freshly cooked steak before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
