Creamy Garlic Steak Pasta for Cozy Nights
If you’re looking for a dish that combines the rich flavors of tender steak and creamy sauce in one comforting bowl, Creamy Garlic Steak Pasta is your new go-to. This recipe brings together juicy pieces of steak, a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), perfect for cozy nights when you want something indulgent yet easy to prepare. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will make you feel like you’re dining in your favorite Italian trattoria right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy sauce and steak create a satisfying and hearty meal that warms you up inside.
- Quick and Simple: Minimal yet high-impact ingredients mean it’s ready faster than you might expect.
- Flavor Packed: Garlic adds a punch of aroma and depth that pairs beautifully with tender steak.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to different vegetables or pasta types for your preference.
- Delicious Leftovers: Flavors intensify overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe proves that keeping ingredients simple doesn’t mean compromising taste. Each item plays a crucial role in creating the creamy garlic steak pasta’s richness, texture, and color.
- Tender Steak: Choose a quality cut like sirloin or ribeye, sliced thin for quick cooking and juicy bites.
- Pasta: Fettuccine or penne work beautifully, offering the perfect surface to hold the creamy sauce.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced to infuse the broth with fragrant and robust flavor.
- Heavy Cream: For silky, smooth sauce texture that clings to the pasta.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (vegetal): Melts wonderfully to add gooey, cheesy goodness without overpowering the garlic.
- Butter: Adds richness and a velvety finish to the sauce.
- Olive Oil: Used for searing steak perfectly while imparting a subtle fruity note.
- Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce: A savory twist that elevates the steak’s umami depth.
- Salt and Pepper: To season everything just right, enhancing natural flavors.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped finely to sprinkle on top for color and fresh herbal brightness.
Variations for Creamy Garlic Steak Pasta
Feel free to make this creamy garlic steak pasta truly your own. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily adjust to your dietary needs or pantry availability without losing any charm.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute steak with sautéed mushrooms or hearty tofu cubes.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a touch of smoked paprika for warmth and complexity.
- Different Pasta: Swap traditional pasta for gluten-free or whole wheat versions.
- Dairy-Free Sauce: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and vegan cheese alternatives if desired.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Steak Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Start by seasoning your steak slices generously with salt, pepper, and a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then quickly sear the steak for about 2 minutes per side until just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest; this preserves juiciness and flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the steak rests, boil salted water and cook your pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter then add minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. Let it gently simmer, then gradually stir in shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Steak
Add the cooked pasta and seared steak slices back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently, adding small amounts of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and ensure every strand is coated in that luscious garlic cream.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and, if you like, add an extra pinch of shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). Serve immediately while warm and inviting.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Steak Pasta
- Room Temperature Steak: Let steak sit out before cooking to promote even cooking and tender results.
- Don’t Overcook Garlic: Sauté just until fragrant to avoid any bitterness in the sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps loosen the sauce and bind it smoothly to your pasta.
- Cheese Melting: Add shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) slowly to avoid clumping and ensure even melting.
- Rest Steak: Resting cooked steak before adding to pasta prevents juices from running out and keeps meat tender.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Steak Pasta
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley adds a burst of color and light herbal notes that balance the creamy richness of the pasta. A sprinkle of extra shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) can add irresistible gooeyness.
Side Dishes
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted garlic asparagus for contrast in texture and freshness. Warm garlic bread made with olive oil and herbs complements the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in wide shallow bowls to showcase the tender steak slices and creamy sauce beautifully. Drizzle a little extra olive oil or a splash of grape juice reduction on top for a gourmet touch that impresses your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover creamy garlic steak pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it an excellent next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well but is best stored without the shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) mixed in add fresh cheese when reheating. Freeze in portion-sized airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent cheese from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! Sirloin, ribeye, or even flank steak work great as long as they are sliced thinly to cook evenly and quickly.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it’s quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients, making it perfect for easy yet special weeknight meals.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties without affecting the creamy garlic steak pasta’s deliciousness.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream for a dairy-free alternative that remains rich and smooth.
How spicy is this recipe?
This dish is mild by default but you can easily add red pepper flakes or hot paprika for a little heat if desired.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Steak Pasta is a delicious way to bring warmth and a touch of indulgence to your dinner table. With tender steak, savory garlic, and a rich cheesy sauce, it’s a dish that feels like a comforting hug on a plate. Give it a try on your next cozy night in you might find it quickly becoming a household favorite you turn to again and again.
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Creamy Garlic Steak Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)
Description
Creamy Garlic Steak Pasta combines tender, juicy steak slices with a luscious, garlic-infused cream sauce and melted shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) over perfectly cooked pasta. This comforting dish is quick to prepare, flavorful, and customizable, making it ideal for cozy dinners or special occasions at home with a rich, indulgent taste reminiscent of Italian trattorias.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 300g sirloin or ribeye steak, thinly sliced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Pasta
- 250g fettuccine or penne pasta
- Salt, for boiling water
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Extra shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Season the thinly sliced steak generously with salt, pepper, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak slices for about 2 minutes on each side until just cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest, preserving juiciness and flavor.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently, then gradually stir in shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Steak: Return the cooked pasta and seared steak slices to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to loosen the sauce and ensure it clings beautifully to each pasta strand.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top and add an optional pinch of extra shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) for extra gooeyness. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.
Notes
- Let steak sit at room temperature before cooking for even cooking and tender results.
- Sauté garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitterness in the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce and bind it smoothly to pasta.
- Add shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) slowly to prevent clumping and ensure even melting.
- Rest steak after cooking to keep juices locked inside and meat tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing, Boiling, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: creamy garlic steak pasta, steak pasta recipe, garlic cream sauce, easy pasta dinner, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce pasta, cheesy pasta, quick steak dinner, comfort food pasta