Garlic Butter Steak Noodles

This garlic butter steak lightning noodles dish combines tender slices of sirloin with creamy, garlicky pasta for a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. It's my go-to impressive dinner when I want something luxurious without spending hours in the kitchen.

I created this recipe when my husband requested something special for our anniversary but I had minimal time between work meetings. The combination of buttery steak and rich pasta earned me more praise than dishes I've spent hours preparing!

Ingredients

• Linguine pasta: Forms the perfect base with its ability to hold the creamy sauce
• Sirloin steak: Provides tender bites of protein without breaking the bank
• Butter: Creates richness and helps develop beautiful flavor on the steak
• Fresh garlic cloves: Add aromatic depth that dried garlic powder cannot match
• Heavy cream: Produces a silky sauce that coats each strand of pasta perfectly
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty umami flavor and helps thicken the sauce
• Black pepper: Provides essential warmth and balance to the rich cream
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and is crucial for properly seasoned pasta water
• Red pepper flakes: Add a gentle heat that cuts through the richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Linguine:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous amount of salt until it tastes like sea water. Add linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 9-11 minutes. Before draining, reserve half a cup of starchy pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later. Drain pasta but do not rinse it as the starch helps the sauce adhere better.

Sear the Steak:

While the pasta cooks, pat the sirloin steak dry with paper towels to ensure perfect browning. Season liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat until very hot. Add 1 tablespoon butter and let it melt completely. Place the steak in the pan and do not move it for 3-4 minutes to develop a beautiful crust. Flip once and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium rare. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips.

Create the Garlic Base:

Return the same skillet to medium heat, keeping all those flavorful brown bits from the steak. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Add minced garlic and cook for exactly 60 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant and just barely golden but not brown, which would make it bitter.

Develop the Creamy Sauce:

Pour in the heavy cream while scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the steak flavor into the sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer then add the grated Parmesan cheese, additional black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce coats the back of a spoon, about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Combine and Finish:

Add the drained linguine directly to the sauce in the skillet. Using tongs, toss the pasta thoroughly to coat every strand with the creamy sauce. Add the sliced steak and any accumulated juices back to the pan and gently fold everything together. Allow the pasta to simmer in the sauce for one final minute to absorb the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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The quality of Parmesan makes a significant difference in this recipe. I splurged on a block of authentic Parmigiano Reggiano for our anniversary dinner, and the nutty depth it added to the sauce was unforgettable. My husband now insists I use the real thing every time!

Perfect Temperature for Steak

Achieving the ideal steak doneness transforms this dish from good to exceptional. For medium rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F. The steak will continue cooking slightly while resting. If you prefer medium, cook until 140-145°F. Remember that thinner steaks cook much faster than thick cuts, so adjust your cooking time accordingly rather than strictly following the recipe timing.

Make Ahead Options

This lightning fast pasta actually works well as a planned meal. You can slice the steak and mince the garlic up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The pasta can be cooked earlier in the day and tossed with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. When ready to serve, simply reheat the pasta briefly in hot water and proceed with making the sauce. The entire dish comes together in less than 10 minutes with this prep work done.

Elevating Your Presentation

For a restaurant worthy presentation, serve the pasta in warmed bowls and arrange the steak slices artfully on top rather than mixing them in. Garnish with additional freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, and a final crack of black pepper. For special occasions, add a drizzle of high quality extra virgin olive oil over the steak just before serving to create an attractive glisten and add another layer of flavor.

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Serve immediately and bask in the compliments on your restaurant-level meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What cut of steak works best for this dish?

Sirloin is recommended for its balance of flavor and tenderness, but you could also use ribeye, strip steak, or flank steak. Just adjust cooking time based on thickness and desired doneness.

→ Can I substitute the linguine with another pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even pappardelle work beautifully. For a lighter option, try using zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a dash of cayenne pepper. You could also add sliced fresh jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the finished dish.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half can work, though the sauce won't be as rich. For a lighter version, try using evaporated milk or a combination of milk and cream cheese. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk is a good substitute.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

A simple green salad with vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or garlic bread all complement these noodles nicely. For a complete meal, the rich pasta needs something fresh to balance it.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It's best served fresh, but you can prepare components separately. Cook the steak and make the sauce ahead of time, then reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.