What makes the perfect weeknight dinner? A rich and creamy spicy garlic butter sauce served over tender steak and homemade pasta, that’s what. This easy recipe uses just a few ingredients, including juicy steak and flavorful garlic, to create a quick and satisfying meal. Save this idea for your next family favorite dinner.

Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their dinner game without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, using everyday ingredients to create a flavor profile that is both decadent and impressive. With the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of garlic, butter, and spices creates a depth of flavor that complements the steak and pasta perfectly, and all the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: The steps are straightforward, and the dish can be prepared and cooked within 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the presentation and taste of the dish are impressive, making it suitable for entertaining guests or special occasions.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this recipe include high-quality steak (such as ribeye or sirloin), pasta of your choice (though thicker pasta like pappardelle or fettuccine works best), garlic, butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of spices including red pepper flakes for the spicy kick. For practical substitutions, you can use chicken or pork if steak is not available, and vegetable or chicken broth can be used to lighten the cream sauce. Fresh parsley or basil add a nice freshness to the dish as a garnish.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cream sauce, tossing everything together to combine, adding some reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Slice the rested steak against the grain and serve on top of the pasta, garnished with parsley or basil.

Handy Tips

• For an extra creamy sauce, ensure you don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to absorb sauce as it cools. Also, whisking constantly when adding the cream and cheese helps prevent lumps.
• Avoid overcooking the steak, as it can become tough. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (130°F – 135°F for medium-rare, 140°F – 145°F for medium, and 150°F – 155°F for medium-well).
• Experiment with different types of hot peppers or spices to adjust the heat level of the dish to your liking.

Heat Control

Controlling the heat is crucial, especially when cooking the steak and making the sauce. For the steak, a medium-high heat is ideal for getting a nice sear. When making the sauce, reduce the heat to medium to prevent the butter from burning and to allow the garlic to cook slowly, bringing out its natural sweetness without burning.

Crunch Factor

The texture of this dish should be a perfect balance of tender steak, al dente pasta, and a creamy sauce. To achieve this, don’t overcook the pasta, and make sure to slice the steak against the grain after it has rested. This ensures that each bite is tender and easy to chew. If you prefer a bit of crunch, you can top the dish with toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use high-quality ingredients: The difference in taste between high and low-quality ingredients is noticeable, especially in a dish that highlights a few main ingredients like steak and Parmesan cheese.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook the steak one at a time if necessary, to ensure each piece has enough room to cook evenly.
• Clean as you go: This helps in keeping the kitchen organized and reduces the cleanup time after cooking.

Storage Tips

• Leftover storage: Cool the dish to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating tips: Reheat the pasta and sauce together in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of cream or pasta water if the sauce has thickened too much. Reheat the steak separately, either in the microwave or in a skillet with a bit of oil, until warmed through.
• Shelf life: Cooked pasta and steak can be safely stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. It’s not recommended to freeze the cooked pasta with cream sauce, but you can freeze the steak for up to 2 months.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While this dish is best consumed fresh, elements of it can be packaged as gifts. For example, you can make extra garlic butter and store it in decorative jars, perfect as a gift for any food enthusiast. Similarly, a block of high-quality Parmesan cheese, paired with some artisanal pasta and a recipe card for this dish, makes for a thoughtful gift basket.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Adding some dried or fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil can give the dish a unique twist. For a smoky flavor, add a bit of paprika or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
• Creative toppings: Consider adding some sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or spinach to add more flavor and nutrients to the dish.
• Ingredient swaps: For a vegetarian version, swap the steak with portobello mushrooms or eggplant, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of pasta water. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few minutes to reduce it.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter.
• Over/undercooking signs: Check the pasta frequently towards the end of its cooking time to avoid overcooking. For the steak, use a thermometer and check the color and firmness to determine doneness.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? It’s best not to freeze the cooked pasta with cream sauce, but you can freeze the steak and the garlic butter separately for later use.
• Is it gluten-free? Depending on the type of pasta used, this dish may not be gluten-free. Look for gluten-free pasta options to make it suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe for larger groups. Just ensure you have a large enough skillet to cook the steak and make the sauce in batches if necessary.

Conclusion

This Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal repertoire. With its balance of flavors and ease of preparation, it’s perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and spices to make it your own, and don’t hesitate to share your creations and feedback. Happy cooking!