If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that brings together perfectly seared steak, a dreamy parmesan cream sauce, and all the cozy vibes you crave, this Creamy Steak Pasta is calling your name. It’s indulgent, utterly satisfying, and so much easier than you might think—ideal for weeknights or a weekend treat when you want restaurant flair at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Steakhouse Flavors at Home: You get all the rich, meaty goodness of your favorite steak dinner—no reservations required!
- Creamy, Dreamy Sauce: The parmesan cream sauce is gloriously silky, coating every bite of pasta and steak for pure comfort food magic.
- 30-Minute Wonder: This Creamy Steak Pasta comes together quickly, so you can treat yourself, even on the busiest of weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Whether it’s date night, family dinner, or just a much-needed self-care meal, everyone will be asking for seconds (trust me).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Creamy Steak Pasta might seem simple, but each element plays a big part—tender steak for richness, fresh herbs for fragrance, and a velvety cream sauce that ties it all together. Don’t skip out on any of these essentials if you want maximum flavor and texture.
- Rump Steaks: These have just the right balance of tenderness and flavor; let them come to room temp before cooking for the best sear.
- Olive Oil: Used to create a gorgeous golden crust on the steak—make sure your pan is nice and hot!
- Salt & Pepper: Season the steak generously before cooking; simple but essential for depth of flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness to both the steak and the pasta sauce. That buttery, garlicky finish is pure decadence.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly chopped garlic perfumes both the steak and the cream sauce—nothing beats that aroma!
- Rosemary Sprig: Infuses an elegant herby note into the steak while it cooks.
- Pasta: Go for your favorite kind—fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti—but cook it just until al dente for the perfect bite.
- Italian Seasoning: Lends warm, savory notes to the sauce. You can use a blend or make your own mix!
- Chicken Stock: Low-sodium is key—it creates depth without overwhelming the creaminess.
- Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce oozy and rich, while also helping everything cling to the pasta.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully and brings that salty-nutty magic.
- Fresh Parsley: A handful of chopped parsley adds color and brightness, lifting all the rich flavors.
Variations
The beauty of Creamy Steak Pasta is just how customizable it is! Don’t be afraid to tweak ingredients to fit your cravings, dietary needs, or what you already have tucked away in your fridge—you’ll discover your own perfect version in no time.
- Swap the Steak: Try sirloin, strip, or even filet for a little splurge—or use leftover roast beef for a faster version!
- Make It Lighter: Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or stir in a few handfuls of baby spinach right at the end for extra greens.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic if you love a little heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double check your chicken stock brand.
How to Make Creamy Steak Pasta
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Pat your rump steaks dry and season them very generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat—the pan should be shimmering hot! Sear the steaks for 3–4 minutes a side until a deeply browned crust forms, pressing down gently for even contact.
Step 2: Butter-Baste for Flavor
Drop in the butter, chopped garlic, and rosemary sprig. As the butter melts and sizzles, tilt the pan and use a spoon to baste the steaks, drizzling the aromatic butter over the top for another minute or until the steaks reach your ideal doneness. Remove, tent loosely with foil, and let rest 5 minutes before slicing thinly across the grain.
Step 3: Boil the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your pasta just until al dente—it’ll finish in the sauce. Before draining, scoop out a cup or two of that starchy pasta water; this is your ticket to glossy, restaurant-worthy sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet (wipe out burnt bits if needed), melt butter over medium-low. Add the chopped garlic, stirring until fragrant, then sprinkle in Italian seasoning. Pour in chicken stock and let it bubble for a couple of minutes to reduce, concentrating the flavor. Next, add heavy cream and simmer gently until the sauce becomes dreamy and thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Toss the hot cooked pasta into the skillet, followed by the sliced steak and any juices from the plate. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce looks at all dry. Finish with the chopped parsley, a fresh grind of pepper, and taste for salt. Serve immediately while it’s gloriously saucy and hot!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Steak Pasta
- Sear Smart: Let your steaks come to room temperature and pat them dry—this is the secret to that crave-worthy crust and juicy interior.
- Reserve That Pasta Water: Don’t skip this step! The starchy water is key to a sauce that clings and never dries out.
- Parmesan Power: Always grate your parmesan fresh from the block. Pre-grated stuff just doesn’t melt as luxuriously or give the same flavor impact!
- Herb Finish: Toss in fresh parsley at the end, off the heat, to keep its color vivid and the flavor fresh.
How to Serve Creamy Steak Pasta
Garnishes
Mealtime is all about the little finishing touches. Shower your Creamy Steak Pasta with extra grated parmesan, a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley, or even a handful of chili flakes if you love spice. A drizzle of good olive oil or a few crispy fried garlic chips can take everything to the next level!
Side Dishes
This dish truly shines alongside crusty garlic bread (for scooping up extra sauce!), a fresh, zingy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or simply some steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Creamy Steak Pasta in shallow bowls for maximum sauciness, pile it high on a vintage platter for family-style feasts, or nestle elegant mounds onto individual plates for a romantic dinner. For a dinner party wow factor, twirl the pasta into little nests and crown each one with juicy slices of steak on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Creamy Steak Pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will keep well for up to three days, making an incredible next-day lunch you’ll genuinely look forward to!
Freezing
While you can technically freeze leftovers, cream sauces can sometimes separate upon thawing. If you do freeze, reheat gently and add a splash of cream or a little pasta water to restore smoothness. For best results, enjoy fresh or from the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, use a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream and stirring until everything is silky and warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause the sauce to break (but if you must, use 50% power and pause to stir often).
FAQs
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What’s the best steak cut for Creamy Steak Pasta?
Rump steak offers a great combination of tenderness, flavor, and value. But you can absolutely substitute sirloin, strip steak, or even filet—just aim for a cut that’s not overly lean for the juiciest results.
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How do I avoid overcooking the steak?
Sear in a hot pan for just a few minutes on each side for medium-rare, then always let the steak rest before slicing. It’ll continue to cook a touch off the heat, keeping every slice juicy and tender.
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Can I make Creamy Steak Pasta dairy-free?
Yes! Try unsweetened cashew cream instead of heavy cream, plus your favorite dairy-free parmesan-style cheese. The flavors will be different but still super delicious.
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Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Creamy Steak Pasta is best fresh, but you can meal prep by making the steak and sauce a day ahead. Store separately in the refrigerator and toss everything together just before serving for that just-cooked flavor.
Final Thoughts
I hope this recipe finds its way into your regular rotation—it’s rich, boisterously flavorful, and guaranteed to turn any meal into a special occasion. Give Creamy Steak Pasta a try, and let it bring a little restaurant magic to your own kitchen table. Happy cooking!
PrintCreamy Steak Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
A decadent and creamy steak pasta dish that combines perfectly cooked rump steaks with al dente pasta in a rich and flavorful sauce. This recipe is a luxurious treat for steak and pasta lovers alike.
Ingredients
For the steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 rump steaks (about 1 lb / 450 g total)
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 sprig rosemary
For the pasta
- 8 oz (250 g) pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream
- 1/3 cup Parmesan, grated
- A handful of fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the steak: Season rump steaks with salt and pepper. Sear in a skillet with olive oil until browned. Add butter, garlic, and rosemary, basting the steaks until cooked to desired doneness. Let rest before slicing.
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta. Reserve pasta water. Make the sauce by sautéing garlic in butter, adding Italian seasoning, chicken stock, and cream. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and serve: Toss cooked pasta with sauce, sliced steak, Parmesan, and parsley. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with extra Parmesan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 565
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 497mg
- Fat: 44g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 141mg