If you’re in the mood for a comforting and flavorful meal, look no further than this creamy steak pasta recipe. With tender, juicy steak slices coated in a rich and creamy sauce, this dish brings together the perfect balance of hearty, indulgent flavors and textures. Paired with pasta, it makes for an excellent weeknight dinner that feels fancy enough for any occasion. So, let’s dive right into how to prepare this mouthwatering creamy steak pasta!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 rump steaks (about 1 lb total)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- A handful of fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions and Preparation Method
Prepare the Steak
To start, season the rump steaks generously with salt and pepper. This step is crucial for enhancing the natural flavors of the meat.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. The pan needs to be hot to get that beautiful sear on the steaks.
- Add the rump steaks to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until a brown crust forms, giving your steak that delicious charred flavor.
- Once the steaks are seared to perfection, add 2 tablespoons of butter, finely chopped garlic cloves, and a sprig of rosemary to the pan. As the butter melts, spoon the melted butter over the steaks to add more flavor and moisture.
- Cook the steaks to your preferred doneness—whether rare, medium-rare, or well-done—by adjusting the cooking time. Once cooked, remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing them thinly against the grain. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the steak juicy and tender.
Cook the Pasta
While the steak is resting, it’s time to get the pasta going:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add 8 oz of pasta (penne or rigatoni work well for this dish) and cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente—about 8-10 minutes.
- Reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water will help loosen up the sauce later and give it a silky texture.
Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet used for the steak, we’ll continue to build the flavor for the creamy sauce:
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.
- Add the chopped garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, allowing it to become fragrant and golden.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and pour in ½ cup of chicken stock. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and continue to simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. This will give you that luscious, creamy texture we’re aiming for.
Combine Everything
Now it’s time to bring everything together:
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced steak to the skillet with the creamy sauce.
- Stir in ⅓ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce, thickening it further and adding a salty richness to the dish.
- If the sauce seems too thick or dry, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired creamy consistency.
- Add freshly chopped parsley and season with more salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve
Serve this creamy steak pasta immediately, hot from the skillet. If desired, top with more freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of indulgence.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?
Yes! While rump steak is a great choice for its tenderness and flavor, you can substitute it with other cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness and tenderness of the steak.
2. What type of pasta works best for creamy steak pasta?
Penne or rigatoni work particularly well for this recipe because their shape helps to hold onto the sauce. However, you can also use fettuccine, farfalle, or any other pasta of your choice. The creamy sauce will coat any pasta beautifully.
3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
While it’s best to make the sauce fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce over low heat, adding some pasta water if it has thickened too much.
4. How can I make this recipe lighter?
For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a low-fat cream alternative. Additionally, swapping the butter for olive oil and using less cheese can help reduce the overall calories.
5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add some sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the pasta for extra flavor and nutrients. Just toss them into the skillet after cooking the steak and before adding the garlic and stock.
Conclusion
Creamy steak pasta is a rich, indulgent meal that’s sure to impress. With tender steak, a luscious cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish strikes the right balance between satisfying and sophisticated. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to please any crowd. Don’t forget to experiment with different cuts of steak and pasta types to make it your own! With a little bit of love and attention to detail, you can create a dish that’s truly irresistible. Enjoy!