When it comes to satisfying meals, few dishes can rival the mouthwatering union of steak and pasta. Imagine tender, juicy steak paired with silky pasta drenched in a rich, creamy sauce that tantalizes your taste buds. This meal is not just food; it’s an experience—perfect for impressing guests or savoring on a cozy night in. In this article, we’ll delve into everything you need to know to create your very own steak and pasta masterpiece.
Why We Love This Steak and Pasta Recipe
What makes this steak and pasta dish so special? For starters, the combination of flavors is simply irresistible. The savory richness of ribeye steak harmonizes perfectly with the creamy pasta, creating a satisfying dish that can cater to various palates. You also have the delightful texture of al dente pasta mingled with tender steak strips, making each bite a celebration of comfort food at its finest.
Additionally, this dish is versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your preferences. Whether you prefer a little heat from red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a burst of flavor, you can easily make it your own. Best of all, the steak and pasta dish is relatively straightforward to prepare, making it suitable for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
So, are you ready to create this delightful feast? Let’s take a look at the ingredients you will need.
Ingredients for Steak and Pasta
- 16 ounces spaghetti or pasta of your choice
- Salt, as needed
- 2 ribeye steaks (about 8 ounces each)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley for garnish
How to Make Steak and Pasta Directions
Creating this steak and pasta dish is both fun and rewarding! Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal that will impress your taste buds.
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add a generous amount of salt for flavor. Cook the spaghetti or your selected pasta according to the package instructions. Remember to reserve a cup of pasta water before you drain the pasta.
Prepare the Steak: While the pasta cooks, pat the ribeye steaks dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure a good sear later on. Season both sides of the steaks with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme.
Heat the Skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until it’s smoking hot, then add the olive oil. Swirl the oil to coat the bottom of the pan evenly.
Cook the Steaks: Carefully add the seasoned steaks to the hot skillet. Sear them for approximately 3 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a plate and cover them with foil to keep warm.
Create the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Allow it to melt, then add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook this for about 10 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour the chicken stock into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Make it Creamy: Add the heavy cream and cubed cream cheese to the skillet. Toss in the fresh thyme and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens, which should take a few minutes.
Combine with Pasta: Once the sauce is ready, add the drained pasta, tossing everything together. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, mixing until it’s fully melted and incorporated. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary.
Slice and Serve: Finally, slice the cooked steak against the grain to ensure tenderness. Serve it over the creamy pasta, and garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
How to Serve Steak and Pasta
Serving your steak and pasta dish correctly can elevate your dining experience. Start by plating the creamy pasta as a generous base. Layer your sliced steak artfully on top, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta beautifully. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
For an enjoyable meal, consider serving this dish alongside a crisp salad or some grilled vegetables to balance the richness of the pasta. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a side of garlic bread or toasted baguette slices is a great accompaniment for sopping up any leftover creamy sauce.
A delicious meal deserves a delightful presentation, so take your time to plate it beautifully. This will not only impress your guests but will make your dining experience even more special.
Expert Tips for Steak and Pasta
No recipe is perfect without a few expert tips to enhance its flavor and presentation:
Choose Quality Steaks: Opt for higher-quality ribeye steaks for a richer flavor. Look for steaks with good marbling, as this will add to the juiciness and tenderness.
Let Steaks Rest: After cooking, always let your steaks rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender bite.
Do Not Rush the Sauce: The sauce is the soul of this dish. Allow it time to simmer and thicken to develop a rich, creamy texture.
Adjust Heat Levels: If you enjoy a bit of spice, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes. However, if sensitive to heat, you can omit it entirely or use less.
Experiment with Fresh Herbs: While thyme is fantastic, you could also consider using fresh basil or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Mind Your Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente. This will help it hold up better in the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
How to Store Steak and Pasta
If you find yourself with leftovers—a common occurrence due to the dish’s deliciousness—you may want to know how to store it properly. Allow the steak and pasta to cool down to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. They can be stored together or separately based on your preference.
In the refrigerator, your steak and pasta will last for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If the pasta appears dry, add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. However, it’s best to store the steak separately if possible, as reheating can lead to dryness.
Variations of Steak and Pasta
While the classic steak and pasta dish is incredible on its own, there’s plenty of room for creativity. Explore these variations to keep things exciting:
Pasta Shapes: Instead of spaghetti, try using fettuccine, penne, or even farfalle for a different texture and appearance.
Creamy Sauces: While the heavy cream makes a delightful base, experimenting with a tomato-based sauce or even a mushroom cream sauce can change the entire character of the dish.
Add Veggies: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like spinach, arugula, or sun-dried tomatoes into the pasta for added nutrition and flavor.
Different Proteins: If you’re ever looking to switch things up, try using chicken or shrimp instead of steak. You can use similar seasonings and sauces to have another delicious dish.
Herbed Variations: Change up the herbs to include rosemary or parsley, which can provide new flavors with each cooking attempt.
Spicy Accents: For a more exotic touch, add a dash of sriracha or a sprinkle of chili powder for a spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good sauce for steak and pasta?
A rich, creamy sauce made from heavy cream, chicken stock, garlic, and parmesan cheese is ideal for steak and pasta. It coats the pasta beautifully and complements the steak’s flavor perfectly.
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer. Options like fettuccine, penne, or even a whole grain pasta can yield different textures and flavors.
How can I make this dish more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor by using quality ingredients, such as freshly minced garlic and herbs. Additionally, letting the sauce simmer for a bit longer will deepen the flavors.
How do I know when my steak is cooked to perfect doneness?
Using a meat thermometer can be helpful. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F, while medium is around 145°F.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Reheat before serving and add a splash of cream if needed to revive the sauce.
What can I serve with steak and pasta?
Consider serving a crisp salad or grilled veggies on the side. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices can also make excellent accompaniments.
Steak and Pasta
Equipment
- Pot
- Skillet
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 16 ounces spaghetti or pasta of your choice
- Salt as needed
- 2 pieces ribeye steaks (about 8 ounces each)
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes optional for heat
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 ounces cream cheese cut into cubes
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp. minced parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot and add salt. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Pat the ribeye steaks dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Sear the steaks for about 3 minutes on each side until desired doneness is reached. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil.
- Lower the heat to medium, add butter to the skillet, and melt. Then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken stock, scraping up any bits from the bottom, and bring to a simmer.
- Add heavy cream and cream cheese to the skillet. Toss in fresh thyme and black pepper, allowing to simmer until thickened.
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to combine. If needed, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and blended. Adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
- Slice the cooked steak against the grain and serve over the creamy pasta. Garnish with minced parsley.
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