Let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish that always gets everyone raving – my creamy spicy garlic butter steak and pasta! This recipe is a delightful combination of tender steak and perfectly cooked pasta, all drenched in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce with just the right kick of spice. It’s such a simple dish to whip up, but it feels like a five-star meal when you serve it. I remember the first time I made this for my family; we were all gathered around the table, and the flavors just exploded in our mouths! The laughter and compliments filled the room, and honestly, it’s become a staple for our family dinners since then. Trust me, you’re going to love how effortlessly impressive this meal is!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz pasta (I love using fettuccine, but any pasta you have will work!)
- 1 lb steak (Choose your favorite cut – ribeye or sirloin are both fantastic!)
- 4 tbsp butter (Unsalted is best, so you can control the saltiness)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (The more, the merrier, right? Garlic lovers unite!)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (Adjust this based on your spice tolerance – I like it spicy!)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (This is what makes it all deliciously creamy)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated is a game-changer, trust me!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (Don’t skimp on seasoning; it brings all the flavors together!)
How to Prepare the Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe
Cooking the Pasta
Let’s get that pasta cooking first! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Trust me, salt is key here; it’s your chance to flavor the pasta from the inside out! Once boiling, add your 8 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes for fettuccine. You want it al dente, which means it should have a little bite to it. About a minute before it’s done, taste a piece to make sure it’s just right. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but don’t rinse it! That starch helps the sauce stick later on.
Preparing the Steak
Now, let’s focus on that glorious steak! Start by seasoning your 1 lb steak generously on both sides with salt and pepper. I like to let it sit for a bit at room temperature while I heat up my skillet; this helps it cook more evenly. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot. Add a splash of oil if you want, but the steak will release its own fat. Sear the steak for about 4-5 minutes on one side without moving it – this creates that beautiful crust! Then flip and sear the other side for another 4-5 minutes for medium-rare (or longer if you like it more done). Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes. This resting time is crucial for juicy steak!
Making the Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t you dare wash it yet!), reduce the heat to medium and add 4 tbsp of butter. Let it melt and make sure you scrape up those delicious brown bits left from the steak; that’s where the flavor is! Next, toss in the 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant – wow, your kitchen is going to smell amazing! Now, add in 1 tsp of red pepper flakes and stir for another minute. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up!
Combining Ingredients
Alright, it’s time to bring it all together! Add your drained pasta straight into the sauce and toss it well to coat every noodle. Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips and place it on top of the pasta. You can drizzle a bit of extra sauce over the steak for good measure. Serve immediately, and get ready for some serious compliments – this dish is a showstopper!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I adore fettuccine for its ability to hold onto that creamy sauce, you can really use any pasta you have on hand. Penne, linguine, or even spaghetti work wonderfully! Just keep an eye on the cooking time since different shapes may require a bit more or less time. The key is to ensure it’s al dente so it can soak up all that amazing sauce.
What type of steak is best for this recipe?
Great question! My go-to cuts are ribeye or sirloin because they have that perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. However, you can also use flank steak or filet mignon if you’re feeling fancy! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your steak to get it just how you like it.
How can I adjust the spice level?
Want to tone it down or amp it up? No problem! If you prefer a milder dish, you can cut back on the red pepper flakes or even leave them out altogether. For those who crave heat, feel free to add more flakes or toss in a dash of hot sauce when you’re mixing in the pasta. Just remember, you can always add more spice, but it’s tough to take it away once it’s in there!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of creamy garlic butter, spicy red pepper flakes, and tender steak creates a mouthwatering dish that’s bursting with flavor!
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this restaurant-quality meal in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice level or swap in your favorite type of pasta or steak cut. It’s versatile enough to suit everyone’s taste!
- Impressive Presentation: The beautiful plating of steak over pasta in a rich sauce makes it a showstopper. Your family and friends will think you’ve spent hours in the kitchen!
- Perfect for Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), they reheat beautifully for a delicious lunch the next day!
- Comfort Food: This dish hits all the right notes for cozy, satisfying comfort food that warms you up from the inside out.
Tips for Success
To make sure your creamy spicy garlic butter steak and pasta turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few handy tips I swear by:
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Choose the best steak you can find; it makes a huge difference in flavor and tenderness. Fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese will also elevate the dish!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Always keep an eye on your pasta while it cooks. Remember, you want it al dente! It’s better to check a minute or two early than risk mushy pasta.
- Let the Steak Rest: After searing, give your steak a few minutes to rest before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it juicy and flavorful!
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste your sauce as you go. You can always add more salt or pepper, but it’s tough to fix an overly seasoned dish!
- Keep the Heat Moderate: When making the sauce, avoid cooking on high heat to prevent the cream from curdling. Medium heat is your friend for a smooth, luscious sauce.
- Add Pasta Water: If your sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of the reserved pasta water. It’s starchy and will help the sauce cling to the noodles perfectly!
- Garnish for Color and Flavor: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil sprinkled on top just before serving add a beautiful touch and a burst of freshness to the dish!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress everyone at the dinner table. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from this creamy spicy garlic butter steak and pasta, let’s make sure you store them properly so you can enjoy that deliciousness later! First, let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent condensation, which can make your pasta soggy. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to seal it tightly – we don’t want any flavors escaping!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using a skillet for the best results. Just add your leftover pasta and steak to a pan over medium heat. You might want to splash in a bit of water or extra cream to help bring back that creamy consistency – trust me, it makes all the difference! Stir occasionally until everything is heated through. If you prefer using the microwave, that works too! Just heat it in short intervals (about 1 minute at a time) and stir in between to ensure even heating. But be careful not to overheat, as it can dry out the steak!
And voilà! Your leftovers will taste almost as good as the first time you made it. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my creamy spicy garlic butter steak and pasta, it’s nice to know what you’re fueling your body with! Here’s a typical breakdown of the nutritional values for this dish, keeping in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 750
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
This dish hits the spot for a hearty meal, providing a good balance of protein and carbs to keep you satisfied. Just remember, moderation is key, so enjoy every creamy, spicy bite!
What’s Next?
Now that you’ve whipped up this creamy spicy garlic butter steak and pasta, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Did your family rave about it as much as mine? Please leave a comment below sharing your experience or any fun twists you added to the recipe! It’s always exciting to hear how you all make it your own.
If you enjoyed this dish, why not share the love? Snap a photo of your creation and tag me on social media. I can’t wait to see your beautiful plates of pasta and steak! And if you found this recipe helpful, consider giving it a rating. Your feedback not only warms my heart but helps others discover this delicious meal too!
Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear from you!
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Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe for You
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful dish combining steak and pasta in a creamy, spicy garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb steak
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Season steak with salt and pepper.
- Sear steak in a hot skillet for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Remove steak and let it rest.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic.
- Add red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Add cooked pasta and mix well.
- Slice steak and place on top of pasta.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Use your favorite type of steak.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: creamy spicy garlic butter steak and pasta recipe
