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 (1–1.5 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
- Season the steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear the steaks for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust as needed).
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter, garlic, and herbs. Spoon butter over the steak for 1–2 minutes.
- Remove steaks from the skillet, tent with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions.
- Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 3: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
- Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens (about 3–4 minutes).
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Toss cooked rigatoni in the Parmesan cream sauce until fully coated.
- Slice the rested steak against the grain.
- Plate the pasta and top with steak slices.
- 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