When you think of a hearty, comforting meal that feels indulgent yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner, Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni is the perfect choice. It’s a dish that blends the richness of steak with the luxurious creaminess of Parmesan, making every bite a savory, indulgent experience. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a satisfying dinner after a long day, this recipe delivers on both flavor and ease.
I first made this dish on a Friday night when I was craving something a little more elevated than the usual pasta and sauce combo. The steak and garlic butter combination had been a favorite for a while, and I decided to pair it with rigatoni, a pasta shape that soaks up the creamy Parmesan sauce beautifully. The result was nothing short of magic! The juicy, tender pieces of steak paired with the smooth, cheesy rigatoni made for a meal that was both rich and comforting, yet surprisingly quick to prepare.
This recipe brings together two classic flavors garlic butter steak and creamy Parmesan pasta in a way that’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this savory, luxurious dish at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which typically takes around 9-11 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside while you work on the steak and sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized steak pieces to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook the steak for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all the flavors.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine Steak and Pasta
Return the cooked steak to the skillet, tossing it gently in the creamy sauce to coat each piece. Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet and stir to combine, making sure the pasta is well-coated in the garlic butter Parmesan sauce. If the sauce needs thinning, add a bit more reserved pasta water.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, plate the pasta and steak. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy every rich, savory bite.
Variations:
This dish can be easily customized to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few creative variations you might enjoy:
- Add Vegetables: For a well-rounded meal, consider adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers. These vegetables complement the richness of the steak and pasta while adding nutritional value.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the garlic butter sauce. It pairs wonderfully with the creamy Parmesan and adds a bold, spicy flavor.
- Substitute the Steak: While sirloin or ribeye works great in this recipe, you could also use grilled chicken or shrimp for a lighter alternative. Both proteins work wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the rigatoni for gluten-free pasta. The sauce remains just as creamy and indulgent when paired with gluten-free alternatives.
- Creamier Sauce: If you love an extra-creamy sauce, increase the amount of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. You can also add a touch of cream cheese for an even silkier texture.
Cooking Notes:
- Cook Steak in Batches: If your skillet isn’t large enough to cook all the steak pieces in one go, do it in batches. This ensures each piece gets a good sear without overcrowding the pan.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best results, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce.
- Low Heat for the Sauce: When you add the cream to the skillet, reduce the heat to low to avoid curdling. Cream sauces benefit from slow simmering rather than rapid boiling.
- Rest the Steak: Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices. This will help keep it tender and juicy when you add it back to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
To make this Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni dish truly special, pair it with these complementary sides and beverages:
- Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with a side of crispy, buttery garlic bread. It’s perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette will help cut through the richness of the pasta and steak. Try a simple mixed greens salad with balsamic dressing or a Caesar salad.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots add a healthy, flavorful touch to this hearty meal.
- Reheat Gently: To reheat leftovers, place the pasta and steak in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or beef broth to loosen the sauce, and stir gently to avoid overcooking the steak.
- Meal Prep: You can prepare the steak and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to serve, simply reheat the steak and sauce, cook the pasta, and combine everything for a quick and easy meal.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, so reheat with a bit of extra cream or broth to restore its creamy texture.
- Don’t Skip the Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brightens up the rich flavors of the dish.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 720 per serving
- Protein: 38g
- Sodium: 650mg
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs:
1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes! While sirloin and ribeye are great options for this dish, you can also use flank steak or tenderloin for a leaner cut. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the cut you choose.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the steak and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta just before serving for the best texture. The creamy sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, and you can reheat it gently when ready to serve.
3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by replacing the steak with sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables. The creamy Parmesan sauce will still shine through, and the mushrooms will add a rich, umami flavor.
Conclusion:
Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni is a dish that’s sure to impress whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just indulging yourself on a quiet night in. It’s a perfect blend of savory, creamy, and cheesy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try, and don’t forget to leave a comment to share your experience. And be sure to check out other hearty pasta dishes on our
