If you’re craving a meal that feels both indulgent and comforting, this Creamy Steak Pasta Dinner Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender strips of sirloin steak seared to perfection, mingling with fettuccine pasta bathed in a luscious, velvety sauce made with heavy cream, beef broth, and Parmesan cheese. The combination is simply irresistible and comes together quickly, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special gathering with loved ones. Let me walk you through turning everyday ingredients into a dish with big flavors and silky textures that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, from the rich cream that creates the sauce’s signature silkiness to the robust sirloin that packs in hearty flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dreamy dish to life:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold the creamy sauce and deliver a satisfying bite.
- 1 lb sirloin steak: Choose fresh, tender strips for a juicy and flavorful protein base.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for searing the steak and adding a subtle fruity note.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth and depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to achieving that rich, creamy texture in the sauce.
- 1 cup beef broth: Builds a savory foundation and helps deglaze the skillet for extra flavor.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty taste that perfectly complements the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that elevates the entire dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To balance and enhance all the delicious flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For a fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens the final presentation.
How to Make Creamy Steak Pasta Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt seasons the pasta internally as it cooks, giving it more flavor. Toss in the fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package instructions, typically 8 to 10 minutes. This ensures the pasta is tender but still has a bit of bite, so it won’t turn mushy once mixed with the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak
While the pasta cooks, season your sirloin steak strips generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the steak strips in a single layer to get a proper sear, cooking them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. This gives the meat a flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy. Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak from the pan and set it aside to rest.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add minced garlic, sautéing briefly until fragrant—this step releases the garlic’s natural sweetness. Pour in the beef broth and scrape the skillet’s bottom to lift all those delicious browned bits left by the steak. Let the broth simmer for a few minutes, slightly reducing to concentrate its flavor.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
Slowly stir in the heavy cream, letting the sauce come to a gentle simmer. Now, introduce the grated Parmesan cheese gradually while stirring continuously to melt it smoothly into the sauce. The cheese not only thickens the sauce but also brings a rich, tangy complexity. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and help it cling beautifully to the pasta strands.
Step 5: Combine Steak and Pasta
Return the steak strips to the skillet, folding them into the creamy sauce so every bite will have that luscious coating. Add the drained fettuccine pasta and gently toss everything together, ensuring the sauce envelopes every piece of pasta and meat evenly. At this stage, feel free to adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your taste.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is perfectly combined and warmed through, remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Then, dig in and savor every cream-coated, flavorful forkful of this delicious dinner that’s sure to become a household favorite.
How to Serve Creamy Steak Pasta Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic topping that adds a vibrant green contrast and a hint of herbal brightness to the rich creamy sauce. Feel free to sprinkle additional grated Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a spicy kick. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top can also add an elegant sheen and subtle flavor layer.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Steak Pasta Dinner Recipe stands proudly on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing balance to the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are perfect for soaking up every last bit of that decadent sauce. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli also complement the meal with texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, plate the pasta nests neatly in shallow bowls and garnish with sprigs of parsley and a curl of Parmesan. Use edible flowers or microgreens for a sophisticated visual appeal. Serving individual portions in small cast-iron skillets keeps the dish warm and adds rustic charm, making your guests feel truly pampered.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken as it chills; simply loosen it with a bit of milk or broth when reheating.
Freezing
While the cream-based sauce’s texture might change slightly after freezing, you can freeze the pasta and steak mixture for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some headspace to allow expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of beef broth, cream, or milk to revive the silky texture. Microwaving works too, but be sure to stir halfway through to prevent hot spots and separation.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can use ribeye, flank, or even skirt steak. Just adjust the cooking time based on thickness to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream blend, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. The flavor will change slightly but still be delicious and creamy.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the steak and pasta separately in advance and keep them refrigerated. When ready to serve, make the sauce fresh and combine everything quickly for the best texture and flavor.
What pasta types work best for this dish?
Fettuccine or other wide, flat noodles like pappardelle are perfect because they catch the rich sauce well. However, penne or rigatoni also work if you prefer a shape that traps sauce inside.
How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
Keep the sauce on medium to low heat once you add the cream and cheese, and stir continuously. Avoid boiling vigorously to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency without curdling.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Steak Pasta Dinner Recipe truly brings warmth and rich, comforting flavors to your table without requiring hours in the kitchen. Its perfect balance of tender steak, silky sauce, and hearty pasta makes it one of those dishes you’ll want to turn to again and again. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful meal — your taste buds are in for a real celebration.
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Creamy Steak Pasta Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy steak pasta dinner combines tender sirloin strips with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, perfectly coating al dente fettuccine for a rich and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare in just 35 minutes. Ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner any day of the week.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil, adding a generous pinch of salt to season. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain and Reserve Pasta Water: Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta to prevent sticking, and set aside.
- Season Steak: Season the sirloin strips evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor.
- Sear Steak: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the steak strips in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your preferred level of doneness. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze Skillet: Pour in 1 cup of beef broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a spoon to lift any browned bits. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate flavor.
- Add Cream: Slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, continuing to stir as it comes to a gentle simmer, ensuring the sauce thickens smoothly.
- Melt Cheese: Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Adjust the sauce’s thickness by adding some reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Season Sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your liking.
- Combine Steak and Sauce: Return the cooked steak strips to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta: Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet and gently toss everything together to fully coat the pasta. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if the mixture feels too thick or dry.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the creamy steak pasta in bowls. Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Enjoy: Dig in and savor this rich, comforting, and easy creamy steak pasta dinner!
Notes
- Use sirloin or any tender steak cut for the best texture and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but expect a less rich sauce.
- Ensure garlic is sautéed briefly to avoid bitterness.
- Cooking steak strips in a single layer helps achieve a good sear and flavor.
- Parmesan cheese can be swapped with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
