Garlic Steak Pasta: 7 Ingredients for the Perfect Dinner

Introduction

There’s something magical that happens when tender strips of steak meet aromatic garlic and al dente pasta. I discovered this perfect combination a few years ago after a particularly exhausting workday when I had limited ingredients in my pantry. What started as a desperate dinner solution has become my family’s most requested meal. This garlic steak pasta recipe transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant worthy dish that comes together in under 30 minutes perfect for those hectic weeknights when you want something satisfying without the fuss.

Unlike other garlic steak pasta recipes you’ll find online, this version strikes the perfect balance between richness and simplicity. The garlicky butter sauce coats every strand of pasta while complementing the savory steak without overwhelming it. And the best part? You only need 7 ingredients to create this crowd pleasing dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients Breakdown & Substitutions

The Stars of the Show:

• Steak (8 oz ribeye or sirloin) The marbling in ribeye provides excellent flavor, but sirloin works beautifully too. For budget friendly options, try flank steak thinly sliced against the grain. Vegetarians can substitute portobello mushrooms sliced into strips.

• Pasta (8 oz linguine or fettuccine) These wider noodles hold the sauce perfectly. For gluten free diets, use rice pasta or chickpea pasta which maintains a similar texture. Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.

• Garlic (6-8 cloves) This is not the time to be shy with garlic! Fresh is essential here. If you’re in a bind, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can work, but fresh provides that irreplaceable aroma and depth.

• Butter (4 tablespoons) Creates the base of our silky sauce. Plant based butter works for dairy free diets, though it will change the flavor slightly. Olive oil can substitute in a pinch.

• Olive oil (2 tablespoons) Used for searing the steak at high heat. Avocado oil is an excellent alternative for its high smoke point.

• Parmesan cheese (1/3 cup, freshly grated) The umami component that brings everything together. For dairy free versions, nutritional yeast provides a similar savory quality.

• Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped) Adds brightness and color. Basil or chives make great alternatives if you’re looking to change the flavor profile.

Optional Add-ins:
• Red pepper flakes for heat
• Cherry tomatoes for acidity and freshness
• Spinach for extra nutrition
• Lemon zest for brightness

Step by Step Instructions with Expert Tips

1. Prep the Ingredients
Season room temperature steak generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Let the steak rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking for more even cooking. Meanwhile, mince garlic, grate Parmesan, and chop parsley. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil.

2. Cook the Pasta
Add pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining this starchy liquid is the secret to creating a silky sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.

3. Sear the Steak
Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Pat steak dry with paper towels for better browning. Place steak in the hot pan and sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium rare, or to your preferred doneness. Resist the urge to move the steak around letting it sit undisturbed creates that coveted crust.

4. Rest the Steak
Transfer steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. This prevents dry meat and ensures a juicier final product.

5. Create the Garlic Sauce
Reduce heat to medium low. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Once butter is melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not brown. If your garlic starts to brown too quickly, remove the pan from heat to prevent bitterness.

6. Slice the Steak and Finish the Dish
Thinly slice the rested steak against the grain. Add cooked pasta to the garlic butter sauce along with 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat evenly, adding more pasta water if needed to create a silky consistency. The sauce should coat the pasta without pooling in the bottom of the pan.

7. Incorporate Final Elements
Add sliced steak to the pasta and gently toss. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, reserving some for garnish. Give everything a final toss and taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.

Why This Recipe Is a Must Try

• Weeknight Wonder: From start to finish in under 30 minutes!
• Budget Friendly Luxury: Creates a restaurant quality meal at a fraction of the cost
• Versatile Base: Easily customizable with seasonal vegetables or different proteins
• Crowd Pleaser: Appeals to both picky eaters and adventurous palates
• One Pan Cleanup: Most of the magic happens in a single skillet
• Balanced Meal: Provides protein, carbs, and a touch of vegetables in one dish
• Impressive Presentation: Looks like you spent hours in the kitchen
• Leftovers Transform Beautifully: Makes an amazing cold pasta salad the next day

Storage, Make Ahead & Freezing Tips

This garlic steak pasta keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container once completely cooled. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce and prevent dryness. I learned this trick after microwaving leftovers at work and ending up with disappointing, dried out pasta!

For make ahead preparation, you can:

• Cook the pasta 1 day ahead, toss with a bit of olive oil, and refrigerate
• Prepare the garlic butter sauce and refrigerate separately (warm gently before using)
• Season the steak up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor penetration

While I don’t typically recommend freezing this dish (the pasta texture suffers), you can freeze the garlic butter sauce and sliced cooked steak separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and combine with freshly cooked pasta.

Leftover transformation ideas:

• Add a splash of cream to create a creamy garlic steak pasta variation
• Toss cold leftovers with arugula and extra olive oil for a delicious pasta salad
• Chop everything finer and use as filling for savory crepes or omelets

Creative Variations & Serving Ideas

Mediterranean Version:

Transform this dish with sun dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese instead of Parmesan. The tangy, briny flavors complement the garlic and steak beautifully.

Steakhouse Experience:

Add sautéed mushrooms and a touch of brandy to the sauce for a classic steakhouse flavor profile. Finish with blue cheese crumbles instead of Parmesan for an indulgent twist.

Asian Inspired:

Swap the Italian flavors for soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. Add snow peas and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a fusion take on the classic.

Perfect Pairings:

• Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil
• A glass of medium bodied red wine like Merlot or Chianti complements the flavors
• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for sopping up extra sauce
• Roasted asparagus or broccolini makes an excellent vegetable side

Nutrition Value

Serving size: 1/4 of recipe
Values calculated using the USDA Food Database and are approximate.

This garlic steak pasta is moderately high in calories but provides an excellent balance of macronutrients. It’s particularly rich in protein from the steak and contains a good amount of iron. For a lighter version, use less butter and increase the vegetable content.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love :

• Ground Beef Spaghetti
• Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
• Dan Dan Noodles
• Ground Beef Noodles
• Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Expert Tips

1. Temperature matters: For the perfect medium rare steak, remove it from heat when it reaches 130-135°F internal temperature. It will continue cooking slightly while resting.

2. Don’t skimp on the resting time: After cooking the steak, let it rest at least 5 minutes. I often cover mine loosely with foil to keep it warm. This single step prevents all those flavorful juices from running out when you slice it.

3. Pasta water is liquid gold: The starchy water creates a silky emulsion when combined with the butter and olive oil. I keep a coffee mug next to the stove specifically for scooping out pasta water before draining.

4. Garlic technique: To prevent bitter garlic, add it to the pan only after reducing the heat and never let it brown. If you love garlic but worry about intensity, try roasting a whole head in advance and using the sweet, mellow cloves in your sauce.

5. Finish with a flourish: A drizzle of high quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving elevates the entire dish. This is something I learned from an Italian chef the fresh olive oil adds a peppery, fruity note that makes all the flavors pop.

FAQs

How to make garlic sauce for steak?

For a perfect garlic sauce for steak, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium low heat, add 6-8 minced garlic cloves, and sauté just until fragrant (about 30-45 seconds). Don’t let the garlic brown! For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream or beef broth. Finish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

How to make peppered steak pasta?

To create peppered steak pasta, coat your steak generously with freshly cracked black pepper before searing. For an authentic cacio e pepe twist, toast the pepper in the pan with olive oil before adding the steak this releases the pepper’s essential oils. After cooking the pasta, combine it with the sliced peppered steak, butter, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese for a simple yet sophisticated dish.

How to make creamy garlic sauce pasta?

For a decadent creamy garlic sauce pasta, sauté minced garlic in butter until fragrant, then add 1/2 cup heavy cream and simmer until slightly thickened. Whisk in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. The key is adding 1/4 cup of starchy pasta water to emulsify the sauce, creating that silky restaurant quality texture that coats every strand of pasta perfectly.

What is garlic steak seasoning?

Garlic steak seasoning typically combines granulated garlic, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Many blends also include paprika for color and a touch of brown sugar to help caramelization. You can create your own signature blend by adjusting these proportions and adding personal touches like crushed red pepper flakes for heat or dried mushroom powder for umami depth.

How to make steak sauce?

My go to homemade steak sauce combines 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon honey. Simmer these ingredients together for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. This versatile sauce adds tanginess and depth to any steak dish, including garlic steak pasta.

What is garlic sauce in Italian?

In Italian cuisine, “aglio e olio” is the classic garlic sauce made simply with olive oil, garlic, salt, and sometimes red pepper flakes. It’s traditionally tossed with pasta for the iconic dish “Spaghetti Aglio e Olio.” While not creamy like American or French versions, this Italian garlic sauce relies on pasta water to create a light, silky coating on the pasta. The beauty lies in its simplicity and the quality of few ingredients.

Conclusion

This garlic steak pasta recipe proves that extraordinary meals don’t require complicated techniques or obscure ingredients. With just 7 components and straightforward preparation, you can create a dinner that satisfies both everyday cravings and special occasions. The combination of tender sliced steak, aromatic garlic, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds.

I’d love to know how this recipe turns out in your kitchen! Did you try any of the variations? What sides did you pair with it? Share your experiences in the comments below I’m always looking for new twists on this family favorite.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more globally inspired seafood recipes delivered straight to your inbox, and follow me on PINTEREST TidbitRecipe where I share behind the scenes cooking tips and kitchen experiments!