Tender, juicy steak cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce and served with creamy, cheesy herb pasta makes an irresistible comfort-food dinner. The steak is beautifully seared on the outside while staying tender inside, and the pasta is tossed in a smooth cheese sauce with fragrant herbs. It is an easy restaurant-style meal you can make at home.
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 2 boneless steaks, such as sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
For the Cheesy Herb Pasta
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta of your choice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water, as needed
Instructions
1. Prepare the Steak
Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steaks and cook for about 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and your preferred doneness.
Add the butter and minced garlic during the final minute or two of cooking. Tilt the skillet slightly and spoon the melted garlic butter over the steaks repeatedly.
Transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta water.
3. Make the Cheesy Herb Sauce
Melt the butter in a clean skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan gradually, stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Add Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and black pepper. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
4. Combine
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss until thoroughly coated. Cook for another minute over low heat so the flavors come together.
5. Serve
Slice the rested steak and place it over or alongside the cheesy herb pasta. Spoon any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the steak and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Steak and Pasta
- Bring the steak close to room temperature before cooking for more even browning.
- Patting the steak dry helps create a better seared crust.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Let the steak rest before slicing so the juices redistribute.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother cheese sauce.
- Reserve pasta water before draining; its starch can help loosen and bind the sauce.
- Add extra garlic or herbs if you prefer a stronger flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, a crisp green salad, or warm garlic bread. A little extra Parmesan and fresh parsley on top makes the finished plate even more flavorful.
Storage
Store leftover steak and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a small splash of milk or cream to loosen the pasta sauce.