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Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni


  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2-3 servings 1x

Description

Indulge in a luxurious Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni—a rich, restaurant-quality meal featuring juicy, seared steak with a velvety Parmesan pasta sauce. Perfect for special occasions or an indulgent weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Garlic Butter Steak:

  • 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (11.5 inches thick)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped

For the Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni:

 

  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ cup pasta water (reserved from cooking)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

  1. Season the steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Sear the steaks for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust as needed).
  4. Reduce heat to medium, add butter, garlic, and herbs. Spoon butter over the steak for 1–2 minutes.
  5. Remove steaks from the skillet, tent with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions.
  2. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce

  1. Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  3. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens (about 3–4 minutes).
  5. If needed, add reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

 

  1. Toss cooked rigatoni in the Parmesan cream sauce until fully coated.
  2. Slice the rested steak against the grain.
  3. Plate the pasta and top with steak slices.
  4. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Steak Doneness Guide: Use an instant-read thermometer:
    • Rare: 120–125°F
    • Medium-rare: 130–135°F
    • Medium: 140–145°F
    • Medium-well: 150–155°F
    • Well-done: 160°F+
  • Lighter Sauce Alternative: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk.

 

  • Customization Options: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra depth.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: garlic butter steak, creamy Parmesan pasta, steak and pasta dinner, easy date night meal, surf and turf recipe