If you’re a fan of steak and pasta, then this Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni is the ultimate meal to satisfy your cravings. This dish combines the rich, savory flavors of a perfectly cooked steak with the creamy, comforting goodness of Parmesan rigatoni. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe will impress your guests and leave you wanting more.
The star of this dish is the tender steak, seared to perfection and coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce that infuses every bite with deep, savory flavor. The creamy Parmesan rigatoni is the ideal side, with a rich sauce that complements the steak’s bold taste. The combination of steak and pasta creates a satisfying, well-rounded meal that’s perfect for any dinner setting.
This Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni is easy to prepare yet feels luxurious and indulgent. The best part? You only need a few ingredients to make this delightful dinner. Let’s dive in and learn how to bring these bold, delicious flavors to your table!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
This Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni is everything you want in a comforting yet upscale meal. First, the steak is tender, juicy, and full of flavor, thanks to the garlic butter sauce that seeps into every nook and cranny of the meat. Whether you prefer your steak rare, medium, or well-done, this recipe will ensure it’s cooked to perfection.
On the side, the creamy Parmesan rigatoni is a rich and decadent addition, with a velvety texture that perfectly balances the savory steak. The combination of these two elements—steak and pasta—creates a harmony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing. Plus, it’s a great dish for both meat lovers and pasta fans.
The recipe is straightforward to make, and you don’t need any special cooking techniques to achieve that restaurant-quality flavor. With simple ingredients like butter, garlic, Parmesan, and steak, you’ll be able to whip up a stunning meal in no time.
Ingredients:
For the Garlic Butter Steak:
- 2 steaks (such as ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
For the Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Equipment Used
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: To sear the steak and prepare the garlic butter sauce. A cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan works best for even cooking.
- Medium Pot: For boiling the rigatoni pasta. A large pot helps ensure the pasta cooks evenly.
- Tongs or Fork: To flip and handle the steak while searing it, keeping it intact and allowing you to control the cooking process.
- Whisk: To smoothly combine the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream into the sauce without lumps.
- Sharp Knife: To slice the cooked steak into perfect pieces for serving.
- Serving Plates: To arrange the finished steak and pasta for serving.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir and mix the pasta with the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Slotted Spoon: To drain the cooked rigatoni pasta, allowing you to retain some of the pasta water for the sauce if needed.
Directions & Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Season the steaks with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the steaks. Cook the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side (for medium-rare), or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remove the steaks from the skillet and set them aside to rest.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. If using, add the fresh thyme or rosemary and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the steaks and set aside.
- Cook the Rigatoni: While the steak is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In another skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss the pasta to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Serve: Slice the rested steaks and serve them alongside the creamy Parmesan rigatoni. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the steak and pasta for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
This Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni recipe is rich in flavor and provides a satisfying balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. While it’s indulgent, it’s also a complete meal that leaves you feeling full and content.
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Add some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted tomatoes to the pasta for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a touch of heat.
- Different Pasta: If you don’t have rigatoni, you can substitute with another pasta like penne or fettuccine.
- Grilled Steak: Instead of pan-searing the steak, try grilling it for a smoky flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe? Yes! You can use any cut of steak you prefer, such as sirloin, filet mignon, or flank steak. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness and desired doneness of the steak.
2. Can I make the creamy Parmesan sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make the creamy Parmesan sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it over low heat, adding a bit of cream or pasta water to loosen it up.
3. How can I make this recipe lighter? To lighten the dish, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for the pasta sauce, and opt for a leaner cut of steak like sirloin.
Pro Tips By Emma
- Rest the Steak: Let your steak rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, making it more tender and flavorful.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of cream or add a bit of chicken broth to the sauce.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary really elevate the garlic butter sauce, giving it extra depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. The rich flavors of the steak and creamy pasta pair wonderfully with a crisp, refreshing salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni Recipe
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: To sear the steak and prepare the garlic butter sauce. A cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan works best for even cooking.
- Medium Pot: For boiling the rigatoni pasta. A large pot helps ensure the pasta cooks evenly.
- Tongs or Fork: To flip and handle the steak while searing it, keeping it intact and allowing you to control the cooking process.
- Whisk: To smoothly combine the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream into the sauce without lumps.
- Sharp Knife: To slice the cooked steak into perfect pieces for serving.
- Serving Plates: To arrange the finished steak and pasta for serving.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir and mix the pasta with the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Slotted Spoon: To drain the cooked rigatoni pasta, allowing you to retain some of the pasta water for the sauce if needed.
Ingredients
- For the Garlic Butter Steak:
- 2 steaks such as ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary optional
- For the Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Season the steaks with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the steaks. Cook the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side (for medium-rare), or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remove the steaks from the skillet and set them aside to rest.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. If using, add the fresh thyme or rosemary and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the steaks and set aside.
- Cook the Rigatoni: While the steak is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In another skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss the pasta to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Serve: Slice the rested steaks and serve them alongside the creamy Parmesan rigatoni. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the steak and pasta for extra flavor.