If you’re craving a deliciously comforting dinner that combines tender steak and perfectly cooked pasta all bathed in a rich, dreamy sauce, this Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful harmony of juicy, seared steak slices nestled with penne pasta, tossed in a velvety garlic-infused cream sauce, with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and just the right kick of roasted green chile to brighten every bite. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and freshness, making it an absolute favorite for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients. Each element brings its own vital note—creamy cheeses melt into the sauce, the fresh spinach adds color and nutrition, while the sun-dried tomatoes provide little bursts of concentrated flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Holds the creamy sauce perfectly with its ridges and tubular shape.
- 1 lb flat iron steak (or ribeye, sirloin): Offers tender, flavorful meat that’s ideal for quick searing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the steak to a golden crust without drying it out.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates a luscious base for the garlic sauce.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch or 1 tablespoon flour: Thickens the sauce into a creamy consistency.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Imparts that irresistible garlic aroma and flavor.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce without overpowering.
- ½ cup milk: Lightens the sauce, balancing richness and silkiness.
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly bringing cheesy stretch and creaminess.
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that lifts the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To perfectly season the final dish.
- â…“ cup sun-dried tomatoes: Provides a cheerful pop of sweet-tart flavor.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Freshens the plate with vibrant color and mild earthiness.
- ¼ cup roasted, peeled, and chopped green chile: Adds a gentle smoky heat.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: Brightens the dish with fresh herb notes.
- Red pepper flakes for garnish: Optional kick for those who love heat.
How to Make Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it until al dente, just firm to the bite but fully cooked. This texture is crucial because it will soak up the creamy garlic sauce without getting mushy, giving you that perfect bite every time. Drain the pasta and set aside while you prepare the steak and sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Steak to Perfection
Season both sides of your chosen steak generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, swirling to coat the bottom. When the oil shimmers, add the steak, cooking it for about 2 to 4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness and your desired doneness. A nice golden-brown crust will lock in the juices and flavor. Once cooked, remove the steak and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. Resting lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same pan (wipe excess oil if there’s too much), melt the butter over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—be careful not to burn it, as that will turn bitter. Whisk in the cornstarch (or flour) until it dissolves, forming a roux that will thicken the sauce beautifully. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Allow the sauce to thicken and bubble gently, then stir in the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses until melted and silky smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, making sure the sauce sings with flavor.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Steak, and Vegetables
Add your cooked pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and roasted green chile to the creamy sauce. Toss everything gently for 2 to 4 minutes until the spinach wilts slightly and the pasta is thoroughly coated. Finally, fold in the sliced steak so every forkful has rich, meaty goodness swirled with the cheesy garlic sauce. This step brings the entire dish together into a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
How to Serve Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a burst of color and freshness. For those who love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds an exciting warmth that complements the creamy sauce and the smoky green chiles perfectly. These simple additions elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, making it even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This steak pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette are also fantastic for mopping up every last bit of that luscious creamy garlic sauce. If you want to keep it light, steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli make a vibrant, healthy accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, consider serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls for a restaurant feel. Drizzle a little extra olive oil or a squeeze of lemon over the top for brightness. You can also create colorful layers by placing the steak slices symmetrically on top of the pasta and adding whole sun-dried tomatoes here and there for visual appeal. Presentation truly makes the experience memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before storing to maintain its texture and flavor.
Freezing
While freezing cream-based pasta dishes is possible, it can sometimes affect the sauce’s texture. If you do freeze, place leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw slowly in the fridge overnight before reheating gently to help the sauce re-emulsify.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. This careful reheating helps preserve the creamy texture and prevents the steak from becoming tough. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to dry out the steak and sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great because it holds sauce well, you can use fusilli, rigatoni, or even fettuccine if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can substitute with roasted red peppers or omit them altogether. They add a lovely umami punch, but the dish will still be delicious without.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the steak and add hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini for a meaty texture that compliments the creamy garlic sauce wonderfully.
How spicy is the dish with green chile?
The roasted green chile adds a mild smoky heat, not overwhelming the dish but giving it character. You can adjust or omit it depending on your heat preference.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. It holds up well in the fridge and reheats nicely, making it a great option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe has quickly become a cherished favorite to turn to when you want a comforting, flavorful meal that feels a bit special yet is easy to whip up. The combination of tender steak, creamy garlic sauce, and fresh ingredients really makes it a standout dish. I encourage you to try it—you might just find it becomes a regular in your recipe rotation, bringing warmth and joy to your table every time.
Print
Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Steak Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender pan-seared steak with al dente penne pasta tossed in a luscious creamy garlic sauce. Enhanced with sundried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a hint of roasted green chile, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of hearty and fresh flavors, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Steak
- 1 lb flat iron steak or ribeye or sirloin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch or 1 tablespoon flour
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- â…“ cup sundried tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ¼ cup roasted, peeled, and chopped green chile (can use canned)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Steak: Season both sides of the steak generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the steak in the pan and cook for 2-4 minutes on each side, depending on thickness and preferred doneness. Remove from the skillet and let it rest while you prepare the sauce.
- Make Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a large fry pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in the cornstarch or flour until fully incorporated. Gradually stir in the chicken broth and milk, continuing to whisk as the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the mozzarella and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Add the cooked pasta noodles to the sauce along with sundried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and roasted green chile. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and ingredients are well combined.
- Serve: Slice the rested steak thinly and arrange it atop the creamy pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes for a touch of heat and freshness. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use your preferred cut of steak such as flat iron, ribeye, or sirloin for best flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and cheese to your taste preference.
- Roasted green chiles add a smoky heat, but you can omit or adjust according to spice tolerance.
- If you want a vegetarian version, omit the steak and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- For a richer sauce, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or cream.
- Make sure to let the steak rest after cooking to retain its juices before slicing.
