👉Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Herb Pasta — a luxurious yet comforting dinner that balances juicy, seared steak with rich, garlicky butter and a creamy, herbed cheese pasta. It’s the kind of meal that feels gourmet but is easy enough to whip up on a weeknight.
Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Herb Pasta
Servings: 2–4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Steak:
2 ribeye, strip, or sirloin steaks (about 1–1½ inches thick)
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, smashed
2–3 sprigs fresh thyme and/or rosemary
Optional: ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
For the Cheesy Herb Pasta:
8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella or fontina
¼ cup cream cheese (optional for richness)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta water, as needed for consistency
Instructions
1. Prep the Steaks
Take steaks out of the fridge 20–30 minutes before cooking. Pat dry and season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
2. Cook the Pasta
Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
3. Sear the Steaks
In a cast iron skillet or heavy pan, heat olive oil over high heat until shimmering.
Sear steaks for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust based on thickness and doneness preference).
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter, smashed garlic, herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Tilt the pan and spoon the melted garlic-herb butter over the steaks for 1–2 minutes to baste.
Remove steaks from pan, tent with foil, and rest 5–10 minutes.
4. Make the Cheesy Herb Pasta
In a separate skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add cream cheese if using and whisk until smooth.
Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella, letting it melt into a creamy sauce.
Add Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, and salt & pepper to taste.
Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a bit at a time until desired consistency is reached.
To Serve
Slice rested steak against the grain.
Plate the pasta, top with steak slices, and spoon some of the reserved garlic butter from the pan over the top.
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Pro Tips
Steak doneness guide: Use a meat thermometer for precision — 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
Don’t skip resting: This keeps the steak juicy.
Pasta swap: Try garlic butter gnocchi or herbed orzo as alternatives.
Add-ins: Sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes elevate the pasta beautifully.
Suggested Sides
Roasted asparagus or broccolini
A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Garlic bread or focaccia for extra indulgence