Delicious Steak and Pasta Recipes to Try Tonight
Steak and pasta are the ultimate comfort food duo. The rich, juicy flavors of steak combined with the hearty texture of pasta create a satisfying, restaurant-quality dish you can make at home. Whether it’s a creamy Alfredo sauce, a zesty chimichurri, or a spicy tomato base, steak and pasta recipes are versatile enough to suit any mood or occasion.
What makes these recipes even better is how quickly they come together. With the right steak cut and perfectly cooked pasta, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
Essential Ingredients for Steak and Pasta
Choosing the Right Steak Cuts
- Ribeye: Juicy, tender, and flavorful, ideal for rich pasta dishes.
- Sirloin: A leaner cut, perfect for lighter sauces.
- Filet Mignon: Exceptionally tender and great for special occasions.
- Flank Steak: Affordable and works well in recipes with bold flavors.
Picking the Perfect Pasta
- Spaghetti: Great for lighter, oil-based sauces.
- Fettuccine: Ideal for creamy, thick sauces.
- Penne: Perfect for hearty, chunky sauces.
- Tagliatelle: A great companion for rich steak flavors.
Flavor Enhancers and Sauces
- Fresh garlic and herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley)
- Parmesan cheese for finishing
- Heavy cream, olive oil, or butter for sauces
- Black pepper and chili flakes for spice
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cast iron skillet or non-stick pan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Tongs for flipping steak
- Sharp knife for slicing steak
- Wooden spoon for stirring sauces
Classic Steak and Pasta Recipes
Creamy Garlic Steak Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, sliced
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak with salt and pepper and sear for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and let it rest.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, simmering until thick.
- Toss in cooked pasta, adding pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Slice the steak and serve on top of the pasta. Garnish with parsley.
Peppercorn Steak Fettuccine
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ribeye steak
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp cracked black peppercorns
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Season steak with salt and cracked peppercorns. Sear it in a skillet with olive oil for 4 minutes per side. Let it rest before slicing.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add beef broth. Stir in heavy cream and simmer.
- Cook pasta and toss it into the sauce. Add sliced steak and serve warm.
Chimichurri Steak Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup fresh chimichurri sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Sear the flank steak in olive oil for 3-4 minutes per side. Let it rest before slicing thinly.
- Cook pasta and drain. Toss with chimichurri sauce.
- Serve pasta with sliced steak on top.
Quick and Easy Steak Pasta Recipes
One-Pan Steak and Penne
Cook steak, garlic, and tomatoes in one pan, add cooked penne, and finish with Parmesan.
Spicy Steak and Tomato Pasta
Sear steak, add chili flakes and crushed tomatoes, and serve over spaghetti.
Tips for Cooking Perfect Steak and Pasta
- Perfect Steak Sear: Cook steak over high heat for a golden crust. Let it rest before slicing.
- Al Dente Pasta: Boil pasta until firm to the bite for the best texture.
Why Steak and Pasta Work So Well Together
The combination of rich protein (steak) and hearty carbs (pasta) creates a balanced and satisfying meal. Plus, the versatility of sauces—from creamy to zesty—allows you to get creative.
Customizing Your Steak and Pasta Dish
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus for nutrition.
- Substitute steak with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a twist.
Serving Suggestions for Steak and Pasta
Side Dishes
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Fresh side salad
Wine Pairings
- Red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot enhances steak flavors.
- White wine like Chardonnay works with creamy sauces.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Steak Pasta
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Conclusion
Steak and pasta recipes combine simplicity, elegance, and incredible flavor in every bite. Whether you prefer creamy sauces, spicy tomato bases, or herb-packed chimichurri, there’s a steak and pasta recipe for every palate. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, these dishes are sure to impress!
FAQs
1. What steak works best with pasta?
Ribeye, sirloin, and flank steaks are the best options for flavor and tenderness.
2. Can I make steak pasta ahead of time?
Yes, but store components separately to keep everything fresh.
3. How can I make the dish healthier?
Add vegetables like spinach or use whole wheat pasta.
4. Can I use leftover steak for pasta?
Absolutely! Slice leftover steak and add it to freshly cooked pasta.
5. How do I prevent steak from becoming tough?
Cook steak to medium-rare and let it rest before slicing to retain juices.
Delicious Steak and Pasta Recipes to Try Tonight
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni or fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.
- Prepare the steak: Season the steak strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium, add butter to the skillet, and let it melt. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Combine pasta and steak: Add the cooked pasta and steak back to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly in the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Garnish and serve: Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm.
